(a)Program update.--
(1)The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency shall update the compulsive and problem gambling program established in section 1509 (relating to compulsive and problem gambling program) to address public education, awareness and training regarding compulsive and problem gambling and the treatment and prevention of compulsive and problem gambling related to video gaming terminals.
(2)The updated guidelines shall include strategies for the prevention of compulsive and problem gambling related to video gaming terminals.
(3)The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency may consult with the board and terminal operator licensees to develop the strategies.
(b)Duties of Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency.-
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(a) Program update.--
(1) The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency shall update the compulsive and problem gambling program established in section 1509 (relating to compulsive and problem gambling program) to address public education, awareness and training regarding compulsive and problem gambling and the treatment and prevention of compulsive and problem gambling related to video gaming terminals.
(2) The updated guidelines shall include strategies for the prevention of compulsive and problem gambling related to video gaming terminals.
(3) The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency may consult with the board and terminal operator licensees to develop the strategies.
(b) Duties of Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency.--From funds available in the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency shall, with respect to video gaming terminals:
(1) Maintain one compulsive gamblers assistance organization's toll-free problem gambling telephone number, which number shall be 1-800-GAMBLER, to provide crisis counseling and referral services to individuals and families experiencing difficulty as a result of problem or compulsive gambling. If the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency determines that it is unable to adopt the number 1-800-GAMBLER, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency shall maintain another number.
(2) Maintain one compulsive gambler's assistance organization's telephone number, which shall be accessible via a free text message service, to provide crisis counseling and referral services to individuals and families experiencing difficulty as a result of problem or compulsive gambling.
(3) Facilitate, through in-service training and other means, the availability of effective assistance programs for problem and compulsive gamblers and family members affected by problem and compulsive gambling.
(4) At its discretion, conduct studies to identify individuals in this Commonwealth who are or are at risk of becoming problem or compulsive gamblers.
(5) Provide grants to and contract with single county authorities and other organizations that provide services specified in this section.
(6) Reimburse organizations for reasonable expenses incurred assisting the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency with implementing this section.
(c) Additional duties.--Within 60 days following the effective date of this section, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency and the board's Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling shall jointly collaborate with other appropriate offices and agencies of State or local government, including single county authorities and providers and other persons, public or private, with expertise in compulsive and problem gambling treatment, and shall, with respect to video gaming terminals:
(1) Implement a strategic plan for the prevention and treatment of compulsive and problem gambling.
(2) Adopt compulsive and problem gambling treatment standards to be integrated with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' or successor agency's uniform Statewide guidelines that govern the provision of addiction treatment services.
(3) Develop a method to coordinate compulsive and problem gambling data collection and referral information to crisis response hotlines, child welfare and domestic violence programs and providers and other appropriate programs and providers.
(4) Develop and disseminate educational materials to provide public awareness related to the prevention, recognition and treatment of compulsive and problem gambling.
(5) Develop demographic-specific compulsive and problem gambling prevention, intervention and treatment programs.
(6) Prepare an itemized budget outlining how funds will be allocated to fulfill the responsibilities under this section.
(d) Report.--The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs or successor agency shall include in the report required under section 1509 information involving video gaming terminals.