By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) next month will host a virtual discussion to educate people on problem gambling and connect those in need of services with organizations that can help, the senator announced on Friday.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Next month’s event is free and anonymous, Sen. Addabbo noted.
This will be a discreet zoom meeting (ID: 840 5365 7492; Passcode: 767130) on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., presented by the New York Council on Problem Gambling and co-sponsored by Resorts World NYC Casino. Participants can remain anonymous by turning off their video and microphone if they choose. There will be an opportunity to ask questions verbally or type them into the chat box.
Addabbo noted that 2 million adults in the U.S. meet severe gambling criteria in a given year, according to the National Council on Problem Gaming and another 4 to 6 million American adults have mild or moderate problems; 4.3 percent of adult residents in New York State are experiencing problems related to their gambling activity (over 600,000 adults), according to the New York Council on Problem Gambling.
Gambling addiction is a real mental illness, according to the American Psychiatric Association, and has real consequences including accumulating debt, neglecting friends and family and stealing to support the addiction. People who gamble compulsively often have substance abuse problems, personality disorders, depression or anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“For some, gaming is a casual pastime, but for others it becomes all-consuming, and they need help,” Addabbo said. “As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, I believe I have a responsibility to bring this event to the community for the public good. If we can help just one person from taking this preventable trip down the road to self-destruction, then we have accomplished something really important.”
