Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)

We Have a Winner: Take the Plunge Challenge for Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The FCCG wants to congratulate Melissa Brooks, Risk and Communications Manager for Calder Casino, who “took the plunge” by creatively outlining how storytelling could promote problem gambling and responsible gambling awareness among employees, patrons, and beyond!

Melissa enjoyed playing Mad Libs® when she was young, a popular fill-in-the-blanks word game where one player prompts others for a list of words to substitute for blanks in a story, and reflected on the educational value of this game. She envisioned how the game could help gambling industry employees learn about problem gambling in an engaging way. 

To bring Melissa’s concept to life, the FCCG is introducing 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLibs, featuring facts about problem gambling and the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine – play now below! Click or tap anywhere in the game frame below to get started. Instructions appear at the beginning of the game.

Problem gambling is an addiction like no other.

Facts About Problem Gambling

For most, gambling is a form of recreation that doesn’t cause harm. But when gambling becomes a problem, the impacts can be devastating. How big of an issue is gambling addiction in Florida, and who is affected?

2021-2022 Annual HelpLine Report: Highlights

Contacts made to the FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine during the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year continue to provide evidence that Floridians suffering from the negative effects of a gambling problem are in dire need of immediate supports. This video covers the most notable findings in the 2021-2022 Annual HelpLine data analysis.

Gambling Addiction Can Be Hard to Spot

Unlike other addictions, problem gambling does not have obvious visible physical symptoms. That’s why it’s known as the hidden addiction — but there are behavioral signs. Are you seeing them?

Hear First-Hand Accounts of Problem Gambling

In Surviving Compulsive Gambling: The Betty White Story, a woman recounts her experience being married to a compulsive gambler. Her honesty provides insight into how dangerous compulsive gambling can be, including for loved ones. The Domino Effect tells the stories of Brandon, Terry, and Sarah, three individuals whose gambling addiction affected not only their lives, but the lives of those closest to them.

Learn the Impacts of Gambling Addiction

Discover how gambling disorder causes financial and career difficulties, legal problems, relationship issues, and even suicidal ideation and attempts from those who lived it, but most importantly – that help and hope are available through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine, and recovery is possible.