Gaming’s dramatic expansion in New York over the last decade has not been met with an equal response from the state in assessing and treating problem gambling.
A new audit from the office of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says it’s been more than 10 years since New York last conducted a comprehensive study of gambling addiction and therefore lacks a clear understanding of where and how to invest taxpayer money in treating it.
The result: In large areas of the state publicly funded help simply is not available.
The audit notes that only 22 of the state’s 62 counties provide programs sponsored by the state’s Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
“When New York expanded casino gaming, it took on the responsibility of making sure there were adequate services to meet the rise in addiction that comes with it,” DiNapoli said. “The agency is taking steps to expand problem gambling services, but it has not done enough to assess the impact of casinos on addiction or ensured enough treatment programs exist.”
It’s been 13 years since the state undertook any kind of gambling prevalence study to gauge the social impacts of expansion. Nor has it conducted a comprehensive “needs assessment” in order to address them, the audit says.
“An impact study would measure the prevalence of problem gambling, as well as the consequences and costs and would inform the development of policy and the allocation of resources.”
The audit also points to limited funding as a major obstacle, noting that the 16 cents per capita the state spends on problem gambling services is in the bottom half of states offering such services.
In the face of this, the audit commends OASAS for its efforts, noting that in 2017 the agency began offering help to problem gamblers at six of its addiction treatment centers and is opening seven new “resource centers” for those seeking help with their gambling funded from a $500 fee per slot machine at the four commercial casinos. Private treatment practitioners are being recruited as part of the program. The centers will also work with the casinos to try to refer those in need for treatment.
OASAS responded to the audit by saying it has met its “statutory and regulatory obligations” regarding problem gambling services, and that absent a statewide study the agency is asking counties to identify their treatment needs. These will be incorporated in a report slated for completion next year.
