NEWS FROM

THE NEW YORK COUNCIL

ON PROBLEM GAMBLING FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mariangela Milea 518/427-1622 August 29, 2005

NYCPG CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Leading Problem Gambling Organization Taking on New Challenges

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness of problem gambling and advocating for services for those adversely impacted by problem gambling, celebrates 10 years of hope.

In 1972, the Board of Trustees of Gamblers Anonymous in the New York City area requested their Spiritual Advisor, Monsignor Dunne to establish a Council on Compulsive Gambling to do what they could not do because of anonymity – call national attention to the increasing problem of compulsive gambling in the United States. The National Council on Problem Gambling was founded at that time and in 1975, was chartered as a non-profit organization.

Initially organized by an alliance of health professionals and recovering gamblers, the National benefited from the work of pioneers such as Dr. Robert Custer and Monsignor Joseph Dunne of New York. Up until the National decided to relocate its headquarters to Washington, D.C., the National Council and the New York Council on Problem Gambling 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.

In 1995, the New York Council on Problem Gambling was incorporated and assumed the duties of operating New York’s helpline. Today, the Council’s 24-Hour Problem Gambling Helpline provides crisis intervention, treatment referrals and information statewide.

“In 2001, the New York Council on Problem Gambling began certifying New York State Gambling Treatment Counselors and Approved Supervisors,” said Renee Wert, Ph.D., NYCPG Board President. “It is the goal of the Council to expand and diversify the New York State network of qualified problem gambling treatment providers and establish standards for practioners in the field.

“With the ever changing gambling landscape, it is important that all problem and pathological gamblers and their loved ones receive the best treatment available,” said Dr. Wert. “Certifying counselors will help advance this vital pursuit.”

In 2004, the Helpline received an estimated 67,618 calls, 3,128 callers were seeking immediate help. Between 2003 and 2004, a 39.6% increase in immediate calls for help was reported. This increase can be attributed to the proliferation, availability and acceptance of gambling opportunities.

“When the Council was founded, the world of gambling was a much different place,” said James Maney, NYCPG Executive Director. “Today, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary , we have witnessed a plethora of gambling opportunities included but not limited to 4 casinos, 5 racinos, MegaMillions, expansion of QuickDraw, round-the-clock Internet gambling, and Texas Hold’em poker.

“The new craze of Texas Hold’em poker is taking over,” said Maney. “Stimulated by the fascination of televised poker tournament’s large payouts, teens are hosting their own poker games sanctioned by their parents who feel at least they are not drinking or drugging. Colleges throughout the state are also hosting Texas Hold’em nights as a form of recreation for its students.

“Parents and educators must be able to identify signs of a gambling problem. Public awareness and education about problem gambling is the vital to sound decision-making for parents – and teens,” continued Maney.

On September 29, the Council will hold its Annual Conference, “Solution 2005” at the Buffalo-Niagara Marriott in Amherst. For more information on the Annual Conference contact the Council at 518-427-1622 or council@nyproblemgambling.org.

On December 1, 2005, the New York Council on Problem Gambling will host a symposium on Adolescent Gambling. The prevalence of adolescent problem gamblers is reported to be from 2 to 4 times higher than that of adult problem gamblers. The 1998 NYCPG Adolescent Prevalence Study reveals that 2.4% (±1.09%) of the total sample of adolescent respondents were classified as problem gamblers and an additional 14.0% (±2.05%) of the total sample of adolescent respondents were classified as gamblers at risk for developing gambling problems.

Between 2003 and 2004, the Council’s helpline realized a 42% increase in problem gambling callers 18 years of age and younger.

“The exponential development of adolescent gambling has already demonstrated the tremendous potential for destroying the public's health,” said Maney. “Today, as the Council assesses the state of adolescent gambling in New York, we believe that the progression of adolescent gambling has taken a turn for the worse.

“Adolescent gambling is a new reality,” continued Maney. “A deeper and ever-more effective commitment to our indispensable role as a driver of the cultural, social, and economic well-being of New York’s adolescents is needed to reverse this progression. The Symposium provides a setting for examination of issues related to the current concern with adolescent gambling.”

Gambling is a treatable illness and help is available by calling NYCPG’s 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-437-1611.

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