HR0841 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0841 LRB098 20275 GRL 55686 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to join the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling in promoting March of 2014 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Promoting National 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 which 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 have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of treatment; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling and the National Council on Problem Gambling invite all citizens of the State of Illinois to participate in National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling urges those with a gambling problem to reach out to their 24-hour confidential helpline at 1-800-426-2537 or 1-800-522-4700; and

WHEREAS, Both the Illinois General Assembly as an institution and the members of the General Assembly as individuals are in unique positions to help raise awareness of problem gambling and the impact it has on the individual, the family, and the community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the month of March of 2014 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling.