NY Responsible Gaming Programs Highlighted

NEWBURGH – The New York Responsible Play Partnership, which includes the New York State Gaming Commission, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the New York Council on Problem Gambling, along with the National Council on Problem Gambling, held a news conference at Resorts World Hudson Valley last Thursday, to highlight the services and programs available in New York to combat problem gambling. This event marks the continuation of events at gaming facilities to discuss New York’s commitment to providing assistance to those who cannot gamble safely.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and disordered gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling.

In 1972, the Board of Trustees of Gamblers Anonymous in the New York City area requested their Spiritual Advisor, Monsignor Dunne, establish a Council on Problem Gambling to do what they could not do because of anonymity- call national attention and raise awareness of problem gambling in the United States. The National Council on Problem Gambling was founded at that time and in 1975, was chartered as a nonprofit organization.
Initially organized by an alliance of health professionals and recovering gamblers, the National Council benefited from the work of pioneers such as Dr. Robert Custer and Monsignor Joseph Dunne of New York. Until the National Council decided to relocate its headquarters to Washington, D.C., the National Council and NYCPG were in essence one and the same. In fact, money was provided by the New York State Office of Mental Health to maintain the National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline. NYCPG was formally incorporated in 1994.

Today, NYCPG is funded by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and works with various organizations, stakeholders and government entities to:
* Produce and disseminate information leading to increased recognition, prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
* Conduct and publicly support research activities to establish and document areas of need.
* Provide training tools to healthcare and other professionals for the purpose of assessing and treating persons with gambling-related problems.
* Foster expanded and improved services for residents adversely affected by gambling.
* Assist industry and business leaders in developing customer- and employee-based problem gambling awareness programs.
* Conduct workshops and conferences.

NYCPG strives to meet the ongoing and evolving need to address problem gambling in NYS as gambling and the associated problems continue to expand in various forms throughout the state.

Speakers emphasized there is help if you need it. If gambling is no longer fun, reach out today for help by visiting NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or call 914.215.6440.