The gambling industry has an enormous impact on California’s economy and residents. The 53 tribal casinos, 95 card rooms, horse racetracks, and state lottery games generate approximately $4 billion per year of revenue, and this number is expected to rise to $10 billion by 2010. This rapidly growing industry results in a wide range of psycho-social and economic issues for individuals and families.

Through a contract awarded by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP), Office of Problem Gambling (OPG), we provide technical assistance and training in the area of problem gambling prevention throughout the State of California. The purpose of this project is to educate the public and train a broad range of service providers, government agency personnel, and community leaders to help prevent and/or treat problem gambling. All services are offered free of charge.

In order to implement and monitor this project, we have created a Project Consortium. At the core of the Consortium are seven Program Partners:

• American Society on Aging (San Francisco)
• Asian American Drug Abuse Program (Los Angeles)
• Integrated Substance Abuse Program at UCLA (Los Angeles)
• Latino Behavioral Health Institute (Los Angeles)
• NICOS Chinese Health Coalition (San Francisco)
• ONTRACK (Sacramento)
• Union of Pan-Asian Communities (San Diego)

To inquire about problem gambling technical assistance and training services, or if individuals are interested in becoming a trainer, please contact:

Larry Gasco, Ph.D.
NAPAFASA
340 E. 2nd St., Suite 409
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-5795 (phone)
(213) 625-5796 (fax)
lgasco@napafasa.org (e-mail)