SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SR 26
Office of Senate Floor Analyses
(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478
THIRD READING
Bill No: SR 26
Author: Padilla (D), et al.
Introduced: 2/25/25
Vote: Majority
SUBJECT: Problem Gambling Awareness Month
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST: This resolution recognizes March 2025 as Problem Gambling
Awareness Month and the agencies and organizations described in this resolution
are commended for their concerted effort to raise public awareness of problem
gambling.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) The month of March 2025 is recognized as National Problem Gambling
Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem Gambling, which was
established in 1972, and its 35 state affiliates, including the California Council
on Problem Gambling, established in 1986.
2) Gambling disorder is classified by the American Psychiatric Association as an
addiction with similarities to the causes and consequences of alcohol and drug
dependence, and is also recognized as the “concealed disease,” because
problem gamblers do not exhibit visible signs of the addiction.
3) Gambling disorder is not only an addiction, but also a public health issue in
which some problem gamblers experience both physical and mental health
conditions. During the 2021–2022 fiscal year, hypertension, obesity, diabetes,
and elevated alcohol and tobacco use were the most common co-occurring
physical health problems among clients served in the California state-funded
gambling treatment program, while mental health disorders, including
depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety were the most commonly reported co-
occurring mental health conditions.
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4) The Bureau of Gambling Control within the Department of Justice, the
California Gambling Control Commission, the California State Lottery,
California Friday Night Live Partnership, California Gaming Association,
Sensis, the University of California Los Angeles Gambling Studies Program,
Pechanga Development Corporation, California Consortium of Addiction
Programs and Professionals, and the gambling disorder recovery community
have joined with The Office of Problem Gambling, within the State Department
of Public Health, and the California Council on Problem Gambling to raise
awareness and urge Californians to take the first step by seeking help for
gambling-related problems.
This resolution recognizes March 2025 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
and the agencies and organizations described in this resolution are commended for
their concerted effort to raise public awareness of problem gambling.
Related/Prior Legislation
SR 67 (Dodd, 2024) – Adopted in Senate.
SR 16 (Dodd, 2023) – Adopted in Senate.
SR 70 (Dodd, 2022) – Adopted in Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 3/4/25)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 3/4/25)
None received
Prepared by: Hunter Flynn / SFA / (916) 651-1520
3/5/25 15:36:19
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