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NOvEmBER 30 - DECEmBER 6, 2023
Could casino lead to rise in gambling issues? Even if it does, experts say resources are available So, what is problem gambling? According to the Mayo Clinic, “compulsive gambling, In the ongoing dispute over also called gambling disorder, whether the Las Vegas Sands is the uncontrollable urge to should be permitted to build a keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your casino on the life.” Hub site whose P a m e l a centerpiece is Brenner-Davis, the Nassau Vetteam leader for erans Memorial the Long Island Coliseum, those Problem Gamwho voice oppobling Resource sition often cite C e n t e r, c a l l s the risk of an gambling issues increase in a “hidden adproblem g amdiction,” bebling. cause it does The risk is not have a physreal, experts ical impact like says, but substance resources to abuse does. treat problem “For a lot of gamblers have people, particualso grown larly spouses, exponentially. finding out S u c h a s t h e PAmElA BRENNER-DAvIs their par tner R e s p o n s i b l e Long Island Problem has a gambling Play Par tner- Gambling Resource Center addiction often ship, a coalition comes with a of the New York Council on Problem Gambling, sense of betrayal,” Brennerthe state Office of Addiction Davis said, “because those with Services and Supports, and the a gambling addiction keep it state Gaming Commission. CONTiNUed ON pAGe 11
By REINE BETHANY
rbethany@liherald.com
Courtesy Sergio Argueta
Sergio Argueta, founder of STRONG Youth — a Uniondale-based organization dedicated to providing resources and helping formerly incarcerated youth get back on track — believes more needs to be done to keep young people out of trouble, and stresses the need for additional resources for individuals re-entering society after prison.
Clean Slate law offers a path for redemption By BRANDON CRUZ bcruz@liherald.com
Many in the community are no strangers to uphill battles, but for the hundreds — if not thousands — who carry the weight of past convictions, the journey toward a brighter future has often felt like one that is impossible to win. But for them — and roughly 2 million others throughout the state — Gov. Kathy Hochul has taken what she says are the first steps aimed at reducing the chance of those with past records returning to jail, allowing them a
second chance. You know, a “clean slate.” Hochul’s Clean Slate Act is intended to grant those with criminal records the opportunity to have their past convictions sealed — including those with drug offenses — so long as they complete their sentences. They also have to stay out of trouble after their release — three years for misdemeanors, and eight years for felonies that are not sex offenses, murder, or other violent crimes, since they are excluded from the program. Hochul expressed pride signing the bill into CONTiNUed ON pAGe 7
P
eople gamble for excitement and entertainment. For most, it won’t be a problem. But the younger you are exposed to gambling, the more normalized gambling becomes. And that is a predictor of future trouble.