OASAS Launches Awareness Campaign On Problem Gambling

ALBANY, NY (03/10/2008)(readMedia)-- Public service announcements on problem gambling to raise awareness and offer help to adults and adolescents are airing throughout New York this week, the start of National Problem Gambling Awareness week, according to State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo.

“Problem gambling is a serious issue that is often misunderstood and understated,” said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “The nature of addiction does not end with drugs and alcohol. These public service announcements will call attention to the dangers of problem gambling and encourage those struggling with such an addiction to seek help.”

Roughly one million New Yorkers are dealing with problem gambling, including one out of every 10 adolescents in grades 7 through 12, according to OASAS research.

In recognition of the 6th Annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 9-15, OASAS developed a multimedia campaign addressing both the at-risk adult population and parents of adolescents. Governor Eliot Spitzer also issued a proclamation, recognizing Problem Gambling Awareness Week in New York state.

The awareness campaign targeting at-risk adults includes:

o A 30-second radio spot that will air on selected radio stations in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany for up to a 14-day period starting on March 10.

o Internet ads on selected Internet Websites (sports, auto and music) for up to 14 days starting March 10.

o Transit ads will be placed on buses, bus stop shelters and platform kiosks in New York City, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo for a period of up to four weeks starting March 10.

In campaign materials directed at parents, OASAS produced a 30-second television ad which will air on television stations statewide for a five-day period from March 10 through 15. Commercial air time for the under-age gambling ad is being underwritten by the New York State Lottery Division in a $500,000 collaboration announced last year. The ad will raise awareness about the risks associated with adolescent gambling, helping parents realize that teen gambling is not a risk-free behavior, recognize the warning signs of a gambling problem and know where to go for help.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo continued, “Parents need to be aware that seemingly harmless gambling activities now could develop into a serious problem later, and potentially lead to an addiction. It is important that measures are taken early on to prevent problem gambling so it does not reach their home.”

OASAS oversees 37 problem gambling programs, 17 treatment and 20 prevention programs across the state available to anyone who is seeking information or assistance for problem gambling. Individuals can reach these programs by calling the New York Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-437-1611.

In the 2008-09 proposed Executive Budget, $440,000 is dedicated to ensure that problem gambling prevention programs are available to every county by the end of next year. It also includes funding to consolidate the chemical dependence and problem gambling helplines.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems with more than 1,550 programs which treat 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day for drug, alcohol or gambling addictions. For more information, see the OASAS Web site, www.OASAS.state.ny.us.

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