WHEREAS, The month of March 2020 is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem Gambling, which was established in 1972, and its 35 state affiliates, including the California Council on Problem Gambling, which was established in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is not only an addiction, but also a public health issue in which some problem gamblers experience both physical and mental health issues. During the 2018–19 fiscal year, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and elevated tobacco use were the most common cooccurring physical health problems among clients served in the California state-funded gambling treatment program, while mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, were the most commonly reported cooccurring mental health issues; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is a treatable disease, and treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to individuals, families, and society as a whole. The Office of Problem Gambling and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program currently operate the California Gambling Education and Treatment Services Program (CalGETS), which, since 2010, has provided treatment services to over 15,700 problem gamblers and others affected by a gambling disorder. CalGETS offers a wide array of services, including self-help workbooks, telephone counseling, and outpatient and residential care; and

WHEREAS, Gambling disorder is classified by the American Psychiatric Association as an addiction with similarities to the causes and consequences of alcohol and drug dependence, and is also recognized as the “hidden disease,” as disordered gamblers do not exhibit visible signs of the addiction; and

WHEREAS, The Office of Problem Gambling’s public awareness campaign promotes hope and self-empowerment when seeking treatment for a gambling disorder; and

WHEREAS, The Bureau of Gambling Control within the Department of Justice, the California Gambling Control Commission, the California State Lottery, California Friday Night Live Partnership, California Gaming Association, Media Solutions, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse, the Pechanga Development Corporation, the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, and the recovery community have joined with the Office of Problem Gambling within the State Department of Public Health and the California Council on Problem Gambling to raise awareness and urge Californians to take the first step by seeking help for gambling-related problems; now, therefore, be it