OASAS Announces $525,000 For Problem Gambling Prevention And Treatment Services

ALBANY, NY (12/11/2007)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced awards totaling nearly $525,000 for nine new OASAS-certified problem gambling prevention and treatment programs located in counties with casinos or racinos.

A National Gambling Impact Study Commission report on pathological gambling found that the prevalence of problem gambling increases by 50 percent in communities that are within a 50-mile radius of a casino or racino. “One of our highest priorities at OASAS is to provide communities with the tools to prevent and treat addictive disease, especially in areas where the risk factors may be higher,” said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “This new funding will help our state better serve residents in the area of problem gambling by enhancing prevention and treatment capabilities.”

A recently released OASAS study on problem gambling found that 5 percent of New York state adults experienced problem gambling within the past year. Of those 668,000 adults, about 56 percent gambled in casinos in the past year. About 5 percent of that group typically gambled in casinos once a week or more.

An OASAS survey of 7th through 12th graders found that 10 percent, or 140,000 statewide, experienced problem gambling in the past year. Among that group, 17 percent reported gambling at casinos within the past year.

“Because gambling is very much a part of our society, we need to work even harder to provide prevention and when needed, treatment, for problem gambling among adults and adolescents,” said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “When gambling behavior interferes with a healthy and productive life, the damages to individuals and their families are devastating. New Yorkers need to know that help is available.”

The goal of the problem gambling prevention programs is to increase the awareness of the risks and consequences of problem gambling in local communities. Some strategies may include public awareness campaigns, enforcing policies and laws related to underage gambling activities, and/or including problem gambling awareness curricula in school settings.

Treatment programs will provide confidential services to anyone affected by problem gambling, regardless of ability to pay. Services include assessments, individual, group, couples and family therapy.

OASAS, which oversees the nation's largest addiction services system, has services in place in 20 counties for gambling prevention programs and 15 treatment programs. More than 677 professionals in prevention and treatment now have gambling specialty designations. In addition, OASAS is establishing regulations for a stand-alone gambling credential for mental health and licensed professionals throughout New York.

For information or assistance on problem gambling, call the New York Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-437-1611 or go to the OASAS Web Site at www.OASAS.state.ny.us.

The award recipients are: