Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

HB 1622

Brief Description:  Requiring a study of problem and pathological gambling among persons in drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wood, D. Schmidt, Edmonds, Conway, Clements and Miloscia.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes a study to determine the extent to which persons receiving substance abuse treatment through a Department of Social and Health Services program are also pathological gamblers.

Hearing Date:  2/14/01

Staff:  Tracey Taylor (786‑7196).

Background: 

The 1999 report to the Washington State Lottery, ?Gambling and Problem Gambling in Washington State,@ found that 5 percent of the state=s residents will face a gambling problem at some point in their life.  The study also concluded that between 53,200 and 137,900 residents scored as either being a problem gambler or a pathological gambler over the previous year.  The diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling behavior includes persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior not better accounted for by a manic episode and is indicated by five (or more) of the following:

     (1) is preoccupied with gambling;

     (2) needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement;

     (3) has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling;

     (4) is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling;

     (5) gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood;

     (6) after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even;

     (7) lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling;

     (8) has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling;

     (9) has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of  gambling; or

     (10) relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling.

Summary of Bill: 

The Department of Social and Health Services Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy and the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling must conduct a study to determine if persons receiving alcohol or substance abuse treatment are also pathological or problem gamblers.  The report is due December 1, 2002.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 6, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Expiration Date:  January 1, 2003.