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According to Sen. Addabbo, “seniors can be an at-risk population for problematic gambling practices, especially those who are on a fixed income.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
The Queens Center for Excellence, an organization that addresses problem gambling in the World’s Borough, will provide a presentation on the dangers of problem gambling this Thursday, April 19, at the Nativity Golden Age Senior Center in Ozone Park, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently announced.
QCE Program Director Michael Suarez will, according to Addabbo, educate those in attendance on what problem gambling is, how to spot problematic behaviors in yourself or a loved one, and what help is available for those suffering from this problem. Following the presentation there will be a short question and answer session with Suarez.
“Since seniors can be an at-risk population for problematic gambling practices, especially those who are on a fixed income, I was happy to help bring the Queens Center for Excellence into one of our local senior centers,” Addabbo said. “With the proximity of the Resorts World casino and many senior centers traveling to the casino for day trips, I believe this presentation can help better inform our seniors.”
Addabbo is the ranking member on the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee. Last May, he sponsored a bill that would create a Task Force on Responsible Gaming within the State Gaming Commission. According to Addabbo, the 11-member legislative panel would feature some appointees chosen by the Senate and Assembly. Other appointees would be the leaders – or their designees – of the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the Gaming Commission, the Division of the Lottery, and the Division of Horse Racing and Pari-mutuel Wagering. Members of the task force, who would serve without compensation, would need to have expertise in problem-gambling treatment and prevention, as well as insights into problem-gambling programs administered by gaming facilities. The group would make recommendations to the Legislature and governor regarding the best strategies to address gaming disorders.
“While we expect our casinos to provide an economic boost for our state, we also need to consider strategies to head off a potentially devastating upsurge in problem gambling,” the senator said last year. “My legislation would create a framework for this effort.”
The QCE presentation will be held between 12:30 and 1 p.m. on April 19 at the Nativity Golden Age Senior Center, located at 101-19 91st St. at the corner of 91st Street and Rockaway Boulevard.
For more information on the Queens Center for Excellence, visit queenscfe.org or call (347) 551-2913.
