BILL NUMBER: HR 6 AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 1, 2011 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Hall FEBRUARY 8, 2011 Relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Week. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST WHEREAS, The National Council on Problem Gambling has designated the week of March 6 to March 12, 2011, inclusive, as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week; and WHEREAS, Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting Californians of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in all communities and has a significant societal and economic cost; and WHEREAS, Individuals, professionals, and organizations within California have come together to educate the public about the negative impacts of problem gambling behavior and the availability and effectiveness of treatment services; and WHEREAS, Treatment for problem gamblers and those affected by problem gambling behavior is effective and minimizes the harm to individuals and to society as a whole; and WHEREAS, Calls to the statewide toll-free helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, have increased by44approximately 78 percent since the creation of the Office of Problem and Pathological Gambling within the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs in 2003; and WHEREAS, The Bureau of Gambling Control within the Department of Justice, the California Gambling Control Commission, the California State Lottery, the California Gaming Association, and the California Tribal Business Alliance have joined the Office of Problem and Pathological Gambling within the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and the California Council on Problem Gambling in a concerted effort to promote problem gambling prevention and treatment programs; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the week of March 6 to March 12, 2011, inclusive, be recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Week and the agencies and organizations described above be commended for their concerted effort to raise public awareness of problem gambling; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.