Senate Resolution No. 493 BY: Senator FERNANDEZ MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious problems that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, March 2025 will be observed as Problem Gambling Awareness Month to create awareness around problem gambling in accordance with National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Problem gambling can impact anyone regardless of background, social or economic status, cultural background or level of education; and WHEREAS, A survey conducted by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) found that five percent of adults, or 668,000 individuals, exhibited problem gambling behaviors within the past year; and WHEREAS, A survey of seventh through twelfth grade students revealed that ten percent, or 140,000 students, showed signs of problem gambling in the past 12 months and ten percent of those students were in need of treatment for problem gambling; and WHEREAS, As mobile sports betting continues to grow in New York State, we must take steps in making sure those who participate in sports gambling do not become addicted, and if they do, they have the proper resources for recovery; and WHEREAS, New York has seen record-breaking amounts of revenue since the introduction of mobile betting as well as the State's collection of more than $1.55 billion in taxes on such bets; and WHEREAS, The growth and expansion of mobile betting in the State of New York requires that we ensure that the education and resources are available for people to responsibly engage in gambling, and to prevent and mitigate problem gambling; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to urge its citizens to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.