To mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is taking new actions to address the needs of New Yorkers related to problem gambling. This includes establishing a new Problem Gambling Bureau, administering a series of surveys to monitor gambling behaviors, enhancing and expanding effective services, and strategically allocating future gambling funding. The agency is also reminding New Yorkers of the various services and resources available across the state, including where to find treatment, and how to talk to young people about the risks of gambling.
Governor Kathy Hochul has also issued a proclamation recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York State. This annual observance by the National Council on Problem Gambling is designed to increase awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services available to those impacted.
“New York State is committed to addressing addiction in all its forms, including problem gambling and gambling use disorder,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “Problem gambling is often referred to as a ‘hidden addiction’ since there are no outward visible signs and can lead to devastating physical, financial, and emotional consequences. Through our ongoing efforts, we are continuing to expand and enhance services throughout the state to provide the necessary support to New Yorkers who need it.”
The ongoing work to address problem gambling across New York State is led by a new Problem Gambling Bureau at OASAS. This bureau brings together work across the agency related to problem gambling and focuses on increasing public awareness about problem gambling, preventing underage gambling, and expanding access to treatment. For more information about problem gambling resources in New York, visit the OASAS website.
OASAS is also planning to continue administering surveys over the next decade to measure gambling behaviors. Finding from these surveys will inform future priorities and efforts to increase services, and will culminate in a report that provides recommendations on how to allocate services. In addition, several public awareness campaigns are planned to increase awareness of the potential harms and warning signs of problem gambling and to specifically reach those at greatest risk.
Anyone who is experiencing harms related to their gambling or someone who is affected by another’s gambling behaviors can find the help they need in New York State. OASAS oversees providers that offer inpatient and outpatient treatment services for gambling. In addition, more than 130 private practitioners outside of the OASAS system offer help for problem gambling. All 12 OASAS-operated ATCs also provide treatment for gambling addiction. OASAS regularly works with its provider network on training and educational efforts to improve these services.
Regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers, which are funded by OASAS and operated by the New York Council on Problem Gambling, can provide resources including information, training, and connections to help. These centers are available in every region of the state.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
