Washington State establishes problem gambling taskforce to review current standards
The group will review funding and available services for gambling addicts ahead of betting laws being passed
The Washington State Gambling Commission has formed a problem gambling taskforce (PGTF) to review the state’s approach to RG ahead of potential betting laws being passed in the state.
The PGTF will complete a comprehensive review of existing funding, services and policies for problem gambling in the state before providing recommendations to the legislature.
It will consider whether Washington State should increase its funding for prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as how to improve current licensing of problem gambling health care providers.
A Problem Gambling Task Force has been formed. It will complete a comprehensive review of current problem gambling funding, services, programs, and policies; and will provide recommendations to the Legislature. #AwarenessPlusAction #PGAM
PGTF website: https://t.co/LjkxBWE7zp pic.twitter.com/4jJRRl4WbY— WA Gambling Comm (@WAGambling) March 7, 2020
The group is made up of gambling commission staff and local healthcare professionals.
The move follows the state’s House of Representatives passing a bill to authorize retail and on-premise mobile sports betting at local tribal casinos.
The bill, which has been criticized for favoring the tribes and restricting competition from other local casinos and online-only operators, has yet to be signed off by the governor.
To honour problem gambling awareness month, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has launched a campaign across a number of major sports venues outlining the four principles of responsible gambling.