New York Approves Three Casinos, Experts Warn of Addiction Crisis

UPDATE: New York State is set to welcome three new casinos in Queens and the Bronx following a crucial approval from the New York State Gaming Commission this week. This decision raises urgent concerns about the potential surge in gambling addiction as the allure of billions in tax revenue overshadows public health implications.

With the state poised to cash in on billions from gaming, hotel, and retail taxes, experts warn that the ramifications of gambling addiction could be dire. Heather Hugelmeyer, LCSW and senior director for behavioral health at Northwell Health, emphasizes that the expected boom in casino culture may come at a steep cost to mental health.

Hugelmeyer stated, “Our patients with gambling use disorder are an undeniable part of New York’s gambling landscape.” As the state prepares for the opening of these casinos, projected for 2030, officials anticipate a significant rise in calls to gambling help lines. The gambling addiction crisis could escalate rapidly, bringing with it a host of related issues, including binge drinking, substance use, and mental health challenges.

The approval of these casinos has ignited fears that the state’s focus on potential revenue has overshadowed the risks associated with gambling. “Telling people to ‘please gamble responsibly’ is no match for the neurobiology of addiction,” Hugelmeyer noted, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and education regarding the dangers of gambling.

As accessibility to casinos increases, so too does gambling participation, with alarming consequences. Families and communities must recognize the signs of problem gambling. The health system in New York is proactively addressing the issue by treating gambling as a primary addiction. Northwell Health is implementing screenings to identify potential problem gamblers and educating school leaders about the growing trend of gambling among teens.

Hugelmeyer stresses the importance of preventive measures, particularly for younger individuals at higher risk of developing gambling problems. “No one is one bet away from a life-changing victory,” she warns. As New York embarks on this new chapter of casino culture, the message must resonate loud and clear: the only true winners in gambling are the house and the apps.

Communities must brace for the fallout from expanded gambling, as the state grapples with the duality of economic benefits and public health risks. Experts are calling for a re-evaluation of the narrative surrounding gambling, urging a shift in focus from profit to prevention.

As these casinos prepare to open their doors, the conversation about gambling addiction needs to intensify. The stakes are high, and only time will reveal the full impact of this decision on the health and well-being of New Yorkers.