2020 -- H 7417

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LC004227

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY, 2020, TO BE "PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS

MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Shekarchi, Edwards, Costantino, and
McNamara

     Date Introduced: February 04, 2020

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Although the majority of Americans gamble responsibly and without

problems, approximately ten million people across the country suffer from some type of gambling

issue in a given year; and

     WHEREAS, Promoting a "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" provides individuals in

the problem gambling community an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about

the social and financial effectiveness of services available for problem gambling; and

     WHEREAS, Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting millions of Americans

of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in all communities, and has a significant societal and

economic cost; and

     WHEREAS, Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing the

harm to both individuals and society as a whole; and

     WHEREAS, Numerous individuals, professionals and organizations in the State,

including the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG), have dedicated their efforts

to educating the public about problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of

treatment; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims February, 2020, to be "Problem Gambling Awareness

Month." We moreover urge all Rhode Islanders struggling with gambling issues to seek out and

utilize the resources and programs available to them and to know that they are not alone and

"Where there is help, there is hope"; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Nancy A. Murray, CAGS, LCDP, ICOGS,

Program Manager, Problem Gambling Services, RI Lottery.

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LC004227

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