According to a survey conducted by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), there are nearly one million New York citizens that have been identified as a problem gambler. More specifically, the survey found that approximately five percent of adults and ten percent of students in grades 7-12 experienced problem gambling and may need treatment services. Also, an additional ten percent of students may be at risk of developing a gambling problem. Further, the survey revealed that 45% of students in grades 7-12 who have a substance abuse problem are at risk or have a current gambling problem and 28% of adults who have a current gambling problem also have a substance abuse disorder.

The enacted SFY 2012-13 Budget provides approximately $104.4 million for the delivery of problem gambling and chemical dependence outpatient treatment services. According to the New York Council on Problem Gambling, New York State provides $1 million in funding for problem gambling services.

This public hearing will review the programs and services currently being funded for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. It will also provide an opportunity for the Committee to better understand the State's capacity to meet the existing needs of New Yorkers suffering from a gambling problem; to identify strategies that will enhance the State's prevention and treatment model for the delivery of services to persons who may be suffering from a gambling problem; and to examine any adverse impact on communities due to the increase of gambling opportunities in New York State.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible. In the absence of a request, witnesses will be scheduled in the order in which reply forms are postmarked.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Programs for the Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail it to: