Jan. 30, 2017
HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today introduced legislation to streamline the Commonwealth’s problem gambling assistance telephone number and codify current practice involving education, awareness and training for problem gaming.
“It is vital that a consistent telephone number be offered across the Commonwealth to those who are addicted to gambling,” Ortitay said. “By providing clear and consistent information, residents and visitors will know where to turn if they need help. In addition, by having one phone number, taxpayer money will be saved.”
House Bill 271 would require the Department of Health to establish and maintain one toll-free problem gambling assistance number, which all in-state casinos would then be required to make available to patrons. Currently, casinos must publicize a gambling assistance number to its visitors. A 2105 hearing by the House Gaming Oversight Committee showed that several toll-free assistance numbers are being maintained and publicized at casinos throughout the Commonwealth. This portion of the legislation passed the House last session as part of a larger bill, but it stalled in the Senate.
The bill also would update the Gaming Act to require the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to administer programming for public education, awareness and training for the treatment and prevention of compulsive and problem gaming. Current law gives the Department of Health this authority, although DDAP has been administering these programs.
For more information about problem gambling, and for tips on how to help a friend or loved one overcome a gambling problem, visit
PAProblemGambling.com.
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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