Gov. John Baldacci collaborated with several organizations trying to raise public awareness to the subject.
The week between March 16 and 12 March will be the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week across the state.
Gov. John Baldacci collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Substance Abuse Services, the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, the Gambling Control Board and the National Council on Problem Gambling trying to raise public awareness to the subject of addictive gambling.
Baldacci stated that problem gambling is a significant public health issue that has a negative impact on the society. He hopes the awareness week would help people who suffer from addiction to gambling to recognize the problem and to know that they can be treated by public health services.
Communities across the state nationwide are working to raise public awareness of the cost of problem gambling and the ways the problem can be treated. In addition, the awareness week idea is to celebrate the overcoming of problem gambling.
