NEWS FROM

THE NEW YORK COUNCIL

ON PROBLEM GAMBLING                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Mariangela Milea 518/427-1622                                    March 5, 2007

e-mail: mmilea@nyproblemgambling.org

 

NYCPG DECLARES START OF

NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK IN NEW YORK STATE

 

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is pleased to announce their participation in the Fifth Annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) taking place March 5-11.

 

“The New York Council on Problem Gambling is partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and the Coalition for Problem Gambling Awareness to help educate the public and health care professionals about problem gambling and to raise awareness that hope and help are available,” said James Maney, NYCPG Executive Director.

 

As part of the effort, the New York Council on Problem Gambling will submit testimony to the New York State Legislature and participate in the HEALTHY CAMPUS COMMUNITIES: Looking to the Future – A College Alcohol, Other Drugs & Violence Prevention Conference held in Albany, as well as conduct television and radio interviews.

 

Today’s New Yorker deals with historically increased gambling opportunities. Since 2003, they have experienced the launching of 2 casinos, 8 racinos, and MegaMillions, expansion of QuickDraw, online gambling for OTB, round-the-clock Internet gambling, and Texas Hold’em poker,” said Maney. “And, opening soon are new video lottery terminals in Aqueduct and Belmont raceways and a new casino in the Catskills. Considering the escalating gambling opportunities, it is just makes good sense to promote problem gambling awareness.

 

 “Problem Gambling is a treatable illness and help is available by calling NYCPG’s 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-437-1611 for immediate assistance,” concluded Maney.

 

For more information regarding NPGAW, please contact the New York Council on Problem Gambling at 518/427-1622 or council@nyproblemgambling.org.

 

-30-