SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 99
(By Senators Unger, McCabe and Jenkins)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
issues involving compulsive gambling in West Virginia.
Whereas, West Virginia depends upon the revenue generated from
gambling for budgetary and other financial considerations; and
Whereas, The economic impact of gambling in West Virginia has
not been the subject of a comprehensive review, including its
benefits versus its detriment; and
Whereas, The American Psychiatric Association clinically
defines compulsive gambling as a pathological disorder that
requires treatment; and
Whereas, The social impact of compulsive gambling has not been
reviewed with regard to gaming in the state; and
Whereas, The federally funded National Gambling Impact Study
of 1999 concluded that problem gambling then cost society at least
$5 billion annually in health care and social services, creditor
losses and decreased productivity; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study issues involving compulsive gambling in West
Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance's study include a descriptive and economic analysis of the
current status of compulsive gambling in the state and data
gathered from agencies, groups, organizations and persons providing
education, assistance and counseling to persons and families
experiencing difficulty as a result of compulsive gambling; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance's study include an economic analysis of geographic regions
where gambling facilities are located and a review of the impact of
video lottery machines on communities in the state; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2006, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
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