NY Senator Addabbo: leading discussion on problem gambling awareness

State Senator Joseph Addabbo, who represents the 15th District of New York in Queens, has been a leading advocate for the legalization of sports betting in the state. He is aware of the potential negative effects that may come with the state’s decision to embrace betting.

In fact, on March 12th, he will be hosting an online Zoom discussion to observe Gambling Disorder Screening Day to raise awareness and acknowledge gambling addiction and related disorders as medical conditions that require treatment, just like other mental or physical ailments.

This is part of his efforts to address any concerns and promote responsible gambling in the Empire State.

The event is a collaboration between Resorts World New York City casino, the New York Council on Problem Gambling, the National Council on Problem Gambling, and Addabbo. The conference, scheduled to start at 6:00 pm ET, aims to provide a platform for individuals to seek help for gambling addiction and related disorders anonymously.

Addabbo has played a crucial role in the successful implementation of legal sports betting in New York State, making him the most influential politician in this regard.

While it may take some time for New York City betting odds to surpass those of Las Vegas, the state has quickly become a major player in the betting market. In addition, Addabbo has put forth a bill to legalize remote online gambling for popular casino games such as poker, blackjack, and craps.

New York’s success in implementing online betting following the repeal of PASPA can largely be attributed to the efforts of Addabbo, who played a crucial role in overcoming opposition from tribal casino operators and anti-gambling advocates.

The state has experienced a significant growth in online betting, reaching a new record of $211.5 million in sports betting revenue in January 2024, surpassing the previous record set in December 2023 by over $23 million.

This clearly demonstrates the enthusiasm of New Yorkers towards online gambling platforms.

Regarding a more grave matter, Addabbo’s involvement in this virtual dialogue and dedication to serving as a host for discussions on problem gambling adds credibility to the conversation compared to if it were led by a different politician with less public recognition for their stance on gambling.

As March is recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it presents an opportune moment to provide the necessary support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The significant profits of casinos and sportsbook operators suggest that a considerable number of bettors are frequently facing losses.

The Key is Being Aware

Although some individuals are able to engage in gambling without major consequences and without it consuming their lives, there are others who lack the internal self-control to do so.

Professor David Nutt, an expert in gambling psychology and neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, will be joining Addabbo in a discussion. Nutt plans to present brain scans that illustrate the changes in individuals’ brains before and after placing a bet, highlighting the ease with which addiction can develop.

Addabbo will also cover topics such as identifying warning signs of addiction, methods for screening for a gambling disorder, and ways for individuals who are worried about becoming addicted to avoid potential triggers.

Most significantly, this talk will provide a platform for open conversations about concerns related to problem gambling and offer guidance for those who have experience dealing with problem gamblers on how to handle the situation effectively.

The discussion of sports betting may be considered a sensitive topic, but as it becomes legal in more and more locations across the nation, it is an important conversation to engage in. It is also important to keep in mind that the large monthly profits of casinos and operators are generated not only from regular bettors, but also from professional gamblers.