NEWS FROM

THE NEW YORK COUNCIL

ON PROBLEM GAMBLING                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mariangela Milea 518/427-1622                                   January 14, 2005

e-mail: mmilea@nyproblemgambling.org

NYCPG RELEASES STARTLING HELPLINE RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

New York Is In The Midst Of An Escalating Public Health Crisis

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) today releases shocking Helpline results revealing that New Yorkers are struggling with dangerously high levels of problem gambling.

The Council reveals a 39.6% increase in immediate calls for help between 2003 and 2004. This increase can be attributed to the proliferation, availability and acceptance of gambling opportunities included but not limited to 4 casinos, 4 racinos, MegaMillions, expansion of QuickDraw, round-the-clock Internet gambling, and Texas Hold’em poker.

One of several hardest hit areas, Kings County (Brooklyn), has the highest increase in the number of callers and is a county without problem gambling prevention, education and treatment services. The remaining downstate counties also realized astounding increases in callers citing internet gambling (429% increase), sports betting (84% increase), and cards (224% increase) as a primary problem.

The most alarming statistics are from areas where gambling opportunities have exploded. Sullivan county home of Monticello Raceway & VLTs was affected the worst with a 667% increase in callers. The opening of Seneca Allegany Casino located in Cattaraugus County contributed to the county realizing a 167% increase in callers. Its neighboring county of  Chautauqua reached a 78.6% increase. Saratoga, home of the Saratoga Equine Sport Center & VLTs, recognized a 54% increase while its neighboring counties of Albany and Schenectady increased 87% and 59% respectively.

According to River City Group, a research–information services firm, 7.4 million Americans will gamble online in 2005. Online gambling has taken in an estimated $7.5 billion in 2004. Currently, ESPN estimates that there are over 100,000 people on line playing internet poker during peak times of its show the “World Series of Poker.”

 “The new craze of Texas Hold’em poker is taking over,” said James Maney NYCPG Executive Director.  “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.

“An addiction to gambling is often called the hidden addiction because, unlike alcohol or drug problems, there are few observable signs but its outcome can be just as deadly,” said Maney.  “Canada has estimated between 200 and 400 suicides are directly related to pathological gambling and that the number of attempted suicides related to gambling is likely five times higher.

“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.

             “The release of these statistics confirms our worst fears – that providing an ever expanding number of gaming venues does in fact increase the incidence of compulsive gambling habits and the collateral damage to a gambler’s family.  It is imperative that a dedicated fund be created so that those who are afflicted with compulsive gambling disorders can be treated and so that the incidence of compulsive gambling habits can be reduced,” said Senator William J. Larkin.

“During the last few years I have witnessed a significant evolution of gambling opportunities in New York,” said Maney. “Problem gambling is devastating  and challenging for New York because it is the byproduct of gambling, a high revenue generating source for the state.

“Gambling is not a harmless activity. It is a pastime that can develop into a ruinous problem that can affect anybody,” said Maney. “Being able to access prevention, education and treatment  services where you live is vital to the recovery process.”

Zogby International reports that 69% of New Yorkers support expanded efforts to prevent and treat problem gambling, but the Council is finding it difficult to secure funding.

“Data from a recent Zogby Poll also revealed that almost all (at least 90%) of those who responded to this poll were not aware of where to find a problem gambling treatment center in their area,” said Maney. “This complicates matters even further. Our Helpline does work when you know how to reach it. This year 92% of callers to the Helpline found the call helpful.

“Given the staggering Helpline outcomes, designing a comprehensive plan to combat problem gambling should be one of New York’s  major goals. An aggressive public awareness campaign must be included as part of this plan as well as problem gambling prevention, education, treatment and research,” concluded Maney.

"The increase in callers should be sending a message to the Governor loud and clear," Senator Padavan said.  "People are increasingly getting into trouble because of increased opportunities to gamble in New York State.

We need to include a significant increase in funding for programs to help problem gamblers in this year's budget."

“The helpline usage numbers released today by the New York Council on Problem Gambling are disturbing indeed.  The proliferation of gambling opportunities in New York State has led to these explosive numbers and demonstrates a real and urgent need for additional resources to address this problem.  Problem gambling is not a victimless crime; families are destroyed, the local economy suffers and the state bears the increased costs of providing treatment.  I am proud to have secured funds for treatment programs and I remain committed to ensuring that those who need help can get it,” said Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.

The Council urges the Legislature and the Governor to provide ample funding for problem and compulsive gambling prevention, education and treatment programs. 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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