Queens lawmaker highlights anti-addiction measures in sports betting bill

Photos taken at Las Vegas.
Photos taken at Las Vegas.

As New York inches closer to legalizing mobile sports betting as a means to close its massive $14 billion budget deficit, state Senator Joseph Addabbo is highlighting the importance of identifying and helping those who may suffer from problem gambling.

March is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Addabbo continues to work toward sports betting while recognizing that issues with problem gambling do not just affect those individuals placing bets — gambling could potentially affect their financial situation, which could cause problems at home; it can affect job status or cause them to be fired; or it can lead to a higher risk of domestic violence as well as suicide.