Problem Gambling Awareness Week

WHEREAS, on behalf of the citizens of Alabama,  I am pleased to join the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling in recognizing March 3 through March 9, 2013, as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, the awareness week provides individuals in the problem gambling community an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about the social and financial effectiveness of services available for problem gambling; and

WHEREAS, problem gambling is a public health issue affecting millions of Americans of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds in all communities and which has a significant societal and economic cost; and,

WHEREAS, problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to both individuals and society as a whole; and

WHEREAS, numerous individuals, professionals and organizations have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of treatment; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling invites all residents of the state of Alabama to participate in National Problem Gambling Awareness Week:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of March 3 through March 9, 2013, as

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

in the state of Alabama.