Introduction to Responsible Gaming Awareness Month and National Recovery Month
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gaming, Racing and Wagering, recently hosted and participated in events commemorating September as both Responsible Gaming Awareness Month and National Recovery Month. The aim of these events was to educate people, especially young individuals, about the risks and consequences of problem gaming and to promote responsible gaming practices.
Educating Young Minds
Senator Addabbo kicked off the events with special responsible gaming awareness presentations at Maspeth High School on September 22, 2025. The presentations were given to two classes of 25 students each, with guest speakers Robin Singh, Team Leader of the Queens Problem Gambling Resource Center at the New York Council on Problem Gambling, and Ike Dweck, a recovering gambling addict and the Founder & CEO of the Safe Foundation.
Understanding Problem Gaming
Singh explained that problem gambling can lead to serious negative consequences, such as lying or stealing to settle debts or losing money that was intended for necessities like bills or rent. He also discussed the “gambling spectrum,” which ranges from no gambling to social gambling, then to problem gambling, and ultimately to gambling disorder.
A Personal Story of Struggle and Recovery
Dweck shared his personal story of how he started gambling at a young age and spiraled downward, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of more than a decade. He spoke about hitting rock bottom, owing large amounts of money to the mafia, and trying to commit suicide. However, he eventually quit gambling and found success by owning and operating several sneaker stores and later founding The Safe Foundation, which has assisted 11,000 individuals with issues related to drugs, alcohol, and gambling.
Promoting Responsible Gaming Practices
Senator Addabbo expressed gratitude to the NYCPG, Safe Foundation, and Maspeth High School for collaborating to educate young people about problem gaming. He emphasized the importance of responsible gaming practices, stating that “responsible gaming is about understanding the real risks, the potential consequences, and where to find help if you need it.”
National Recovery Month and the RG3P Framework
Later that day, Senator Addabbo participated in a virtual discussion hosted by the NYCPG to commemorate National Recovery Month. The discussion aimed to share updates on what is happening in the field of problem gambling and to educate the public about the variety of resources available to aid New York State residents in their recovery from gambling harms.
The RG3P Framework
The next day, Senator Addabbo was a panelist at the 80th United Nations General Better Gambling Forum, where he discussed the “Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars” (RG3P) program. The RG3P framework aims to function as a universal standard that protects people and prevents gambling harm throughout different nations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Senator Addabbo’s efforts to promote responsible gaming awareness and national recovery month are crucial steps towards safeguarding individuals who might be impacted by gambling. By standardizing best practices across countries, we can enable communities to educate players, identify risky behaviors early, and offer accessible support services when they are most needed. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gaming, there are resources available to help. You can contact the New York Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 917-994-8377 or the NYS HOPELINE at 877-846-7369 or the Safe Foundation at 718-GET-SAFE. Remember, responsible gaming is about understanding the real risks and consequences, and seeking help when needed.
