Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act Needs Your Support
Support the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act (HR 2334)
If you support federal funding for compulsive gambling awareness, prevention and treatment, isn’t it worth five minutes of your time to complete the simple form and let your Representatives hear from you?
Click on link to “Support” govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-2334
Gambling is legal in 48 states. Casinos are proliferating, additional slot machines are being added to existing venues and convenience stores, and table games are being added to horse tracks. Gambling is spreading across the country as more and more states try to solve their budget woes by increased gambling tax and licensure revenues. At the same time, state budgets for Problem Gambling Councils and treatment have been cut significantly. Nevada’s budget to address problem gambling was cut by 50% in 2010 and Florida was cut by 90% in 2011! That’s right! NINETY percent! That is just the tip of the iceberg.
To date I am only the 50th person to respond. Let’s double that this weekend! Every voice counts!
This is not an “anti-gambling” or anti-casino message. It IS a call to action to address an already existing problem and an underserved population. As gambling grows, the problem will grow and we simply can’t sit by and not let our voices be heard. The federal government should contribute to prevention and awareness programs and insurance should cover treatment for pathological gamblers in a manner comparable to that afforded to other addictions. We’re not asking for “special treatment” – simply equal treatment.
Tagged comprehensive problem gambling act, compulsive gambling law, council on problem gambling, gambling treatment budget cuts