Problem Gambling Awareness Month

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

WHEREAS, problem gambling is an addiction as well as a public health issue affecting thousands of Alabamians of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds and communities; 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, clergy and organizations have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of treatment:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 2015, as

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

in the state of Alabama.