Bill Text: CA SR68 | 2015-2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Relative to National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-4)

Status: (Passed) 2016-03-17 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 32. Noes 0. Page 3245.) [SR68 Detail]

Download: California-2015-SR68-Enrolled.html

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BILL NUMBER: SR 68	ENROLLED
	BILL TEXT

	ADOPTED IN SENATE  MARCH 17, 2016
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 9, 2016

INTRODUCED BY   Senators Berryhill, Block, Gaines, Galgiani, Glazer,
Hall, Hill, Hueso, McGuire, Runner, and Vidak

                        MARCH 9, 2016

   Relative to National Problem Gambling Awareness Month


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



   WHEREAS, The month of March 2016 is recognized as National Problem
Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem
Gambling, which was established in 1972, and its 32 state affiliates,
including the California Council on Problem Gambling, which was
established in 1986; and
   WHEREAS, "Gambling disorder" is not only an addiction, but also a
public health issue in which some problem gamblers experience both
physical and mental health issues. Studies have shown that problem
gamblers are more likely to have hypertension, seek emergency
department treatment, and not have a primary care physician; and
   WHEREAS, "Gambling disorder" is a treatable disease, and treatment
is effective in minimizing the harm to individuals, families, and
society as a whole. The Office of Problem Gambling and the UCLA
Gambling Studies Program currently operates the California Gambling
Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS) that, since 2010, has
provided treatment services to over 10,000 problem gamblers and
others affected by a gambling disorder. CalGETS offers a wide array
of services ranging from self-help workbooks, telephone counseling,
and outpatient through residential care; and
   WHEREAS, "Gambling disorder" is classified by the American
Psychiatric Association as an addiction with similarities to the
causes and consequences of alcohol and drug dependence, and is also
recognized as the "hidden disease," as disordered gamblers do not
exhibit visible signs of the addiction; and
   WHEREAS, The Office of Problem Gambling's public awareness
campaign "Don't Ignore the Signs" indicates that some of the signs of
gambling disorder may be depression, anxiety, relationship issues,
shame, guilt, lies, loneliness, and debt; and
   WHEREAS, The Bureau of Gambling Control within the Department of
Justice, the California Gambling Control Commission, the California
State Lottery, California Friday Night Live Partnership, California
Gaming Association, Media Solutions, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition,
National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse, and
the UCLA Gambling Studies Program have joined the Office of Problem
Gambling within the State Department of Public Health and the
California Council on Problem Gambling to raise awareness and urge
Californians to "Don't Ignore the Signs" of gambling disorder; now,
therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That March 2016
shall be recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month 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 Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for distribution.