Request for Proposals for Survey to Examine Problem Gambling in New York State

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services today announced a request for proposals (RFP) to operate a survey that will examine problem gambling in New York State. The NYS Household Survey of Problem Gambling will assess residents’ attitudes and behaviors regarding gambling, health and wellness factors, and problem gambling prevalence. It will also assess the co-occurrence of problem gambling with substance use and mental health disorders. The RFP is available to view here.

“With this survey, we are continuing our efforts to address problem gambling across the state by examining the problem and pinpointing solutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Abuse Task Force. “We want to make sure that all New Yorkers, particularly those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, are aware of the behaviors of problem gambling and have the resources and services they need to combat the issue and lead healthy lifestyles.”                                                                 

“New York State has made great strides in expanding and enhancing our problem gambling resources in recent years, and we remain committed to ensuring the necessary services are in place for all New Yorkers to address this issue,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “This survey will help us further assess where the need is greatest, by giving New Yorkers an opportunity to have a voice in the services they want to see implemented.”

Data obtained from NYS Household Survey of Problem Gambling will assist OASAS in determining the best ways to continue to increase community awareness about the warning signs and prevention of problem gambling, as well as the placement of services based on population need.

OASAS is also in the process of finalizing the development of seven problem gambling resource centers (PGRCs), which will coordinate gambling resources in every region of the state. Four of these centers are already operation, with the remaining three set to open by August. These centers serve as central hubs for people to access prevention, treatment, and recovery resources in their respective regions. The PGRCs will build collaborative relationships with local gambling facilities to provide information and referrals to people who identify as having a gambling problem. More information about the PGRCs can be found here.

"As the sponsor of legislation (A.590), which would create a statewide taskforce to evaluate the extent of problem gambling across the state, I am pleased that OASAS has begun to develop a comprehensive approach to identifying common risk factors and tackling problem gambling head on. A multidisciplinary proposal is needed to enable the State to tailor and target prevention and treatment options in the communities that need them most," said Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

“This important survey will help us better understand the depth of problem gambling in New York State and how we can better provide assistance for those who are suffering,” said Senator Pete Harckham, 40th Senate District, Chair of the Senate Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Committee. “Problem gambling often goes hand in hand with substance abuse and I’m pleased that the survey will explore the co-occurrence of problem gambling with substance use and mental health disorders.”

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, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).  For more information about problem gambling visit https://www.oasas.ny.gov/gambling/index.cfm.

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

Visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the state’s Talk2Prevent website.

Source: The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services