SR8: Resolution Text

LRB-5610/1

CMH:amn&ahe

2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE

2017 Senate RESOLUTION 8

March 22, 2018 - Introduced by Senator L. Taylor. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SR8,1,1 Relating to: designating March 2018 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

SR8,1,4 Whereas, two million Americans are diagnosed as pathological gamblers and another four to six million experience interferences in life due to problem gambling; and

SR8,1,6 Whereas, the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling estimates that roughly 333,000 Wisconsin residents have a gambling problem; and

SR8,1,8 Whereas, problem gambling disproportionately affects ethnic-minority and low-income populations; and

SR8,1,10 Whereas, children and teenagers are more susceptible to problem gambling in an environment that condones the behavior; and

SR8,1,12 Whereas, individuals with existing addiction issues are at a higher risk of developing a gambling addiction; and

SR8,2,2 Whereas, the Problem Gambling Prevention Technical Assistance and Training Project states that problem gambling can be a negative coping mechanism as it is more prevalent among groups that experienced trauma, such as veterans, immigrants, and refugees; and

SR8,2,5 Whereas, lack of awareness and discussion about problem gambling perpetuates the silent suffering of addicts in terms of psychological and financial well-being; and

SR8,2,7 Whereas, the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling reveals that gamblers on average incur $38,090 in debts; and

SR8,2,9 Whereas, the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling states that 65 percent of gamblers commit crimes to finance their addiction; and

SR8,2,11 Whereas, stress from problem gambling could lead to physical and mental health issues, including suicidal ideation; and

SR8,2,13 Whereas, problem gambling is a social issue as it impairs relationships and worsens the economic situations of families; and

SR8,2,15 Whereas, the legislature has an opportunity to raise awareness of problem gambling as a harm to our community; now, therefore, be it

SR8,2,17 Resolved by the senate, That the legislature hereby proclaims March 2018 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

SR8,2,18 (End)