NY Problem Gamblers Can Get Care At State Treatment Centers

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Problem gamblers in New York can now receive in-patient care at six state-run addiction treatment centers.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the treatment centers have been granted waivers allowing them to admit people with problem gambling as their primary diagnosis. The centers traditionally accept people with chemical dependencies.

The centers now have problem gambling clinicians on staff to provide inpatient services to people for up to 30 days.

The six Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services addiction treatment centers are: Stutzman in Buffalo, Kingsboro in Brooklyn, Ward in Middletown, St. Lawrence in Ogdensburg, Creedmoor in Queens and Norris in Rochester.

The facilities accept all patients regardless of their ability to pay.

The move to expand problem gambling treatment comes as four new casinos prepare to open in upstate New York.