During Problem Gambling Awareness Month, NYS OASAS highlights ongoing work & services available to address problem gambling

New problem gambling bureau will coordinate agency’s work to address problem gambling

√ Surveys planned to analyze New Yorkers’ behaviors and needs related to problem gambling

Press Release

To mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is taking new actions to address the needs of New Yorkers related to problem gambling. This includes establishing a new problem gambling bureau, administering a series of surveys to monitor gambling behaviors, enhancing and expanding effective services, and strategically allocating future gambling funding. The agency is also reminding New Yorkers of the various services and resources available across the state, including where to find treatment, and how to talk to young people about the risks of gambling.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has also issued a proclamation recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York. This annual observance by the National Council on Problem Gambling is designed to increase awareness of problem gambling, and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services available to those impacted.

“New York state is committed to addressing addiction in all its forms, including problem gambling and gambling use disorder,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “Problem gambling is often referred to as a ‘hidden addiction’ since there are no outward visible signs, and can lead to devastating physical, financial and emotional consequences. Through our ongoing efforts, we are continuing to expand and enhance services throughout the state to provide the necessary support to New Yorkers who need it.”

The ongoing work to address problem gambling across New York is led by a new problem gambling bureau at OASAS. This bureau brings together work across the agency related to problem gambling, and focuses on increasing public awareness about problem gambling, preventing underage gambling, and expanding access to treatment. For more information about problem gambling resources in New York, visit the OASAS website.

OASAS is also planning to continue administering surveys over the next decade to measure gambling behaviors. Findings from these surveys will inform future priorities and efforts to increase services, and will culminate in a report that provides recommendations on how to allocate services. In addition, several public awareness campaigns are planned to increase awareness of the potential harms and warning signs of problem gambling and to specifically reach those at greatest risk.

Anyone who is experiencing harms related to their gambling or someone who is affected by another’s gambling behaviors can find the help they need in New York. OASAS oversees providers that offer inpatient and outpatient treatment services for gambling. In addition, more than 130 private practitioners outside of the OASAS system offer help for problem gambling. All 12 OASAS-operated ATCs also provide treatment for gambling addiction. OASAS regularly works with its provider network on training and educational efforts to improve these services.

Regional problem gambling resource centers, which are funded by OASAS and operated by the New York Council on Problem Gambling, can provide resources including information, training and connections to help. These centers are available in every region of the state.

OASAS oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 addiction treatment centers where doctors, nurses and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS treatment availability dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at [email protected].