Background: In the 2018 supplemental operating budget, the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) was directed to contract for a study to analyze the scope of services available for pathological or problem gamblers and their families in Washington. The study had to include, at a minimum, the following: (1) the availability of prevention programs and services offered within Washington; (2) the availability of treatment programs and services offered for individuals with gambling-related problems and their families; and (3) strengths and deficits in problem gambling programs and services. A final report from the study was submitted to the Legislature in February 2019.

Regarding current problem gambling policies and resources, the WSGC, the Washington State Horse Racing Commission, and the Washington State Lottery Commission have jointly developed informational signs that include a toll-free hotline number for problem and pathological gamblers. The signs are placed in the establishments of gambling licensees, horse racing licensees, and lottery retailers. Also, the three commissions may contract with other qualified entities to provide public awareness, training, and other services related to problem and pathological gambling.

In addition to a 1.5 percent gross-receipts tax imposed on people engaging in the business of operating contests of chance, an additional tax is imposed equivalent to the gross income of the business derived from the contests of chance multiplied by the rate of 0.13 percent. Revenue from the additional 0.13 percent tax is deposited in the Problem Gambling Account—an appropriated account. Expenditures from the Problem Gambling Account may be used only for the purposes of programs under the Health Care Authority's (HCA) jurisdiction that relate to preventing and treating problem and pathological gambling and training professionals in the identification and treatment of problem and pathological gambling.

The HCA may license or certify treatment facilities and may contract with treatment facilities for any services provided under the program. To receive treatment under the program a person must need treatment for problem or pathological gambling, or because of the problem or pathological gambling of a family member, but be unable to afford treatment, and be targeted by the HCA as being most amenable to treatment. For purposes of the program, pathological gambling is defined as a mental disorder characterized by loss of control over gambling, progression in preoccupation with gambling and in obtaining money to gamble, and continuation of gambling despite adverse consequences. Problem gambling is described as an earlier stage of pathological gambling which compromises, disrupts, or damages family or personal relationships or vocational pursuits.

Summary of Bill: A joint legislative task force on problem gambling is created. The membership is:

one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate, appointed by the president of the Senate;
one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;
a representative from each of the following: the Health Care Authority; the Department of Health; the WSGC; the state Lottery; the Horse Racing Commission; a nonprofit organization with experience in problem gambling treatment and recovery services;
two representatives with experience in problem gambling treatment and recovery services, at least one from a federally recognized Indian tribe;
a member of the public who is impacted by a gambling problem or gambling disorder;
a representative from a problem gambling recovery group or organization; a mental health provider group or organization; a licensed gambling business or organization; a federally recognized tribal gaming operation, group, or organization; and
other representatives from federally recognized Indian tribes, state agency representatives, or stakeholder group representatives, at the discretion of the task force, for the purpose of participating in specific topic discussions or subcommittees.

The task force must:

review findings of the 2019 problem gambling study and report; existing prevention, treatment, and recovery services to address problem gambling and gambling disorders in this state,in other states and the federal government;
make recommendations to the Legislature on (1) how to proceed forward with a state prevalence study measuring the adult participation in gambling and adult problem gambling in this state; (2) whether funding should be expanded for services to address the need for these programs; and (3) what steps should be taken to improve the current licensing of problem gambling providers to meet the current and future demand for services; and

identify additional problem gambling areas for consideration and any actions needed to ensure the state and regulatory agencies or both are effectively addressing problem gambling in an attempt to reduce the number of impacted persons.

Staff support for the task force must be provided by the agencies, departments, and commissions identified above. These agencies, departments, and commissions may enter into an interagency agreement related to the provision of staff support.

The task force must submit a preliminary report of recommendations to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by November 1, 2020, and a final report by November 30, 2021.

The act expires November 30, 2022.

Legislative findings are made.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The information from the problem gambling study gives some important, unsettling information. For example, the unofficial number shows that approximately 123,000 to 228,000 people need help with problem gambling and those helped through state supported services is less than 1 percent from the estimated need. There is a big disconnect between the need and the amount of services. This is a timely topic with March as the problem-gambling month. Although gambling is well regulated in Washington, there is a social cost to gambling. This comes from the hardships imposed on people and their families from gambling addiction.

The Legislature funded a study. This was an important first step. The prevalence of addiction is much higher than previously thought. We need many more gambling addiction counselors. We rank 26th in funding per capita for problem gambling services. We could be doing so much more. The task force will provide us with a meaningful response to the study.

If the bills that were introduced on gambling pass, that is a substantial expansion in gambling in Washington State. When you consider expansion of gambling, consider how you can expand services for the side effect.

Washington residents participate in gambling at a higher rate than the rest of the country. Ninety percent of Washington residents live within an hour's drive of a casino. In many other states, gambling establishments are concentrated in certain areas. In our state, it is just everywhere. The study will help determine the scale and scope of the problem.