Don’t Let Problem Gambling Block Your Shot

Rebound with Florida’s Problem Gambling HelpLine

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Given the rapidly-evolving situation with COVID-19, we wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the measures and precautions we are taking at this time, and to reassure you that we will continue to provide uninterrupted problem gambling specific help and resources.

If you or someone you know needs confidential, multilingual help for a gambling problem, call 888-ADMIT-IT, or visit us on our website at www.gamblinghelp.org. HelpLine Specialists are ready and willing to serve you any time of the day or night.

Problem Gambling is known as the Hidden Addiction. Unlike other addictions, problem gamblers do not display physical signs. There are no “card marks” on their arms, no “roulette breath,” no “dice eyes,” and no saturation point. While visible symptoms are minimal, problem gamblers are often depressed, anxious, and may have suicidal thoughts. They often neglect family and friends, run up large amounts of debt, and may be involved in illegal activity in order to fund their addiction. Gambling addiction is a diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder. Help and hope are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We all play a part

AWARENESS

By becoming educated about problem gambling you can help the FCCG raise awareness and bring this public health issue to light. Understand it, recognize it, and understand that this is a treatable problem.

STAND WITH US

As gambling continues to be more accessible, the FCCG needs your continued support in order for us to assist those who reach out for help. Contact us for FREE educational and training opportunities and become a responsible gaming advocate.

REMOVE THE STIGMA

Often, people who are suffering with a gambling problem are reluctant to reach out for help. The FCCG helps thousands each year to understand that they’re not alone, and that treatment is available for anyone contacting the 24/7 confidential HelpLine, 888-ADMIT-IT.

Facts about problem gambling

the social costs per year alone represent billions of dollars

millions of Americans suffer from problem gambling

45k

average debt of a problem gambler

2nd

most popular type of gambling among problem gamblers is sports betting

25%

is the amount in-person betting increase for this year's Super Bowl

dollars where wagered on the Super Bowl

20%

of American adults will bet on the NCAA Tournament

8.5B

dollars is estimated to be wagered during this years March Madness

HELP AND HOPE ARE AVAILABLE: CALL 888-ADMIT-IT.
THE FCCG IS DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING THROUGHOUT FLORIDA AND PROVIDING RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO ANYONE SUFFERING FROM THIS HIDDEN ADDICTION.

We are the FCCG

Thousands of people contact the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) each year for help and information, and millions more have been exposed to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine number and the services and resources the FCCG is able to provide to all Floridians. A gambling addiction can be devastating. This disease affects a person’s self-worth, their relationships with others, their financial livelihood – and while everyone’s story is unique, there is a common thread that links most callers. They are looking for a way to get their lives back on track. For over 30 years, the FCCG has been instilling hope and furnishing help to those affected by problem gambling. Serving a state of 21 million people isn’t easy, but the FCCG staff does it with care, grace, and dignity.

Organizations from all over Florida are joining us in support of PGAM.

See This Year's Supporters See Who Participated in 2019

Participate in PGAM

Thank you for your interest in partnering with the FCCG for Problem Gambling Awareness Month! We believe your organization can play an important role in increasing awareness of 2020 PGAM through additional outreach methods, including:

Distributing informational materials and Utilizing FREE PGAM specific collateral items

Posting a PGAM icon on your website with a link to FCCG’s website page, www.gamblinghelp.org

Posting PGAM information with FCCG link on your social media sites, such as Facebook or Twitter

Referring affected individuals to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine for problem gambling specific help

Complete this form to become an official partner and to request informational materials and collateral items:

Affiliation/Organization *

Contact's Name *

Email Address*

Phone Number *

Comments and Questions

We’re spreading the word about Problem Gambling Awareness Month!

Good Morning, Seminole!

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/28515159_1767025340027956_6180300399900459876_o-CROPPED.jpg" alt="Good Morning, Seminole!"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Good Morning, Seminole!</h3> <p>The FCCG attended “Good Morning, Seminole!” hosted by the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce in Lake Mary and used the speaking opportunity to raise awareness about Problem Gambling Awareness Month.</p> </div>

“Awareness Now” Guest Lecture at the University of Florida

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/crowd-participating-at-event_925x.jpg" alt="“Awareness Now” Guest Lecture at the University of Florida"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>“Awareness Now” Guest Lecture at the University of Florida</h3> <p>The FCCG’s Clinical Director gave the FCCG’s “Awareness Now” guest lecture to master’s students Dr. Hagedorn’s addiction class at the University of Florida.</p> </div>

Sanford Mayoral Proclamation

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/87382912_2944699885593823_141912690191761408_o.jpg" alt="Sanford Mayoral Proclamation"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Sanford Mayoral Proclamation</h3> <p>FCCG Executive Director Jennifer Kruse attended Sanford’s City Council Meeting, where Jeff Triplett, Sanford Mayor proclaimed March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)! Thank you to the City of Sanford, FL Government for spreading awareness that help and hope are available for any Floridians suffering from problem gambling.</p> </div>

“Alive After 5” in Downtown Sanford

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FCCG-AAF-MARCH2018_0039.jpg" alt="“Alive After 5” in Downtown Sanford"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>“Alive After 5” in Downtown Sanford</h3> <p>“Alive After 5” is Central Florida’s largest recurring monthly street party in Historic Downtown Sanford. The theme for March 2018 was “Shamrock Fest,” and The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling set up a booth to spread the word about Problem Gambling Awareness Month. We provided informative literature on problem gambling and also conducted 78 free screenings for event attendees!</p> </div>

Gambling addiction can be hard to spot

Learn the signs

Preoccupied with Gambling

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <div class="w-video"><div class="w-video-h"><iframe title="The Remember | Gambling Addiction Awareness & Recovery" width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M4IqVCCppgA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Preoccupied with Gambling</h3> <p>Gambling Addiction is a progressive disorder causing disruptions in every area of a person’s life – psychological, physical, social, and vocational. Problem gamblers often become preoccupied with gambling. They experience persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, and thinking of ways to get money for gambling. </p> <h5>Responsible Gaming Tips</h5> <ul> <li><b>Balance recreational gambling with other healthy activities</b></li> <li><b>Set limits on the amount of time and money spent on gambling</b></li> <li><b>Keep gambling a social activity</b></li> </ul> </div>

Lying about gambling

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock-533045396-scaled.jpg" alt="Lying about gambling"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Lying about gambling</h3> <p>Problem gamblers will often feel the need to lie about gambling, waiting to tell others only until they score a big win. There can be shame and guilt associated with gambling, making it hard for people to feel open about discussing their gambling habits.</p> <h5>Responsible Gaming Tips</h5> <ul> <li><b>Know what’s legal to play in your area</b></li> <li><b>Never borrow money to gamble</b></li> <li><b>Think of gambling as a entertainment, play for fun not just for money</b></li> </ul> </div>

Borrowing money

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <div class="w-video"><div class="w-video-h"><iframe title="Financial, Legal and Other impacts" width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIskIMalsjo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Borrowing money</h3> <p>The average debt of our callers eclipses 50k. Problem gamblers often get into debt with family, friends, jobs, and credit companies. Borrowing money to fund a gambling addiction is a tell-tale sign that gambling has become a problem.</p> <p>Want to get started on creating your budget and spending plan? <a href="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Financial-Toolkit-Fillable.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to download the FCCG’s Financial Toolkit</a> as a fillable and printable PDF.</p> <p> </p> </div>

Gambling to Escape Unpleasant Emotions

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <div class="w-video"><div class="w-video-h"><iframe width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rMghvaFhnQI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Gambling to Escape Unpleasant Emotions</h3> <p>In some cases, a gambling addiction can become so bad, it causes people to do things they never dreamt of doing. For Betty White, a gambling addiction was nearly the cause of her death. Her seemingly devoted husband suddenly snapped on her, and attempted to take her life.</p> <p> </p> </div>

Relationship stress

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <div class="w-video"><div class="w-video-h"><iframe title="Relationships" width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7bV4ZsB7Kwc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Relationship stress</h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Addiction often puts stress on those who surround the addict. While many gamblers themselves call our helpline, we get more than a fair share of the loved ones of gamblers who call, looking for help. A gambling addiction puts stress on the most important relationships.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.gamblinghelp.org/problem_gambling/affected" class="g-btn color_primary size_big"><i class="fa fa-arrow-right"></i><span>learn more</span></a> </div>

Chasing your losses

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <div class="w-video"><div class="w-video-h"><iframe width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kkVYiCcp1ok?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>Chasing your losses</h3> <p>A gambling addiction can be hard to spot. We often refer to it as the “hidden addiction.” However, there are some behaviors that can indicate a problem with gambling is present. Gambling addicts often chase their losses. They view the casino or gambling establish as simply holding their money and by engaging in more gambling, they can win it back.</p> <p>In the poker world, players have coined the term “on tilt.” Being “on tilt” refers to when a player losses a big hand, gets angry, and seemingly acts reckless to get back his or her stack.</p> </div>

UNABLE TO STOP GAMBLING

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/iStock-898341186-scaled.jpg" alt="UNABLE TO STOP GAMBLING"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>UNABLE TO STOP GAMBLING</h3> <p>For most gambling is recreational fun that can be stopped at any time. However, problem gamblers are unable to keep themselves from gambling. They often have repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce or stop themselves from gambling. When a problem gambler attempts to stop or cut down on gambling they will often become restless or irritable. </p> <h5>Responsible Gaming Tips</h5> <ul> <li><b>Know when to quit; don’t chase your losses</b></li> <li><b>Don’t play to escape or when depressed or under stress</b></li> <li><b>Understand that everyone loses over time</b></li> </ul> </div>

GAMBLING WITH INCREASING AMOUNTS OF MONEY

<div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-preview"> <img src="https://ProblemGamblingAwarenessMonth.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock-1174599365.jpg" alt="GAMBLING WITH INCREASING AMOUNTS OF MONEY"> </div> <div class="w-portfolio-item-details-content-text"> <h3>GAMBLING WITH INCREASING AMOUNTS OF MONEY</h3> <p>Problem gamblers often feel the need to gamble more frequently, with larger amounts of money to achieve the same desired affect. For example, a gamble could start off doing $1 scratch offs. After some time, the gambler may feel the need to move to more expensive games. Those $1 scratch offs just didn’t do the trick.</p> <h5>Responsible Gaming Tips</h5> <ul> <li><b>Bet only what you can afford to loose</b></li> <li><b>Know the risk before you bet and keep in mind knowing more won’t guarantee a win</b></li> <li><b>Gamble only with money set aside for entertainment</b></li> </ul> </div>

Knowing what to look for isn’t enough.
People need help.

Our Services

Helpline

The FCCG operates a 24/7, multilingual helpline designed to furnish help to gamblers and their loved ones. We connect people with the information, programs, and resources they need to rebound from a gambling addiction.

Recovery Path

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has a network of counselor referrals, certified to treat gambling addiction and provide help to problem gamblers and their families.

Peer Connect

Talking with someone who has successfully dealt with a gambling addiction offers immense value and insight. Our callers can speak with a peer who can share helpful tips in how to survive recovery.

Groups

Self-help groups are one of the most popular interventions in the problem gambling treatment world. We provide callers with the latest self-help group information.

Toolkits

We have an abundance of great toolkits and print materials designed to spread awareness while giving people the resources they need to understand more about problem gambling. Click here to download the FCCG’s Financial Toolkit as a fillable and printable PDF.

Advocacy

On top of our prevention work and training casino employees, we also advocate and have a voice in policy concerning gambling addiction in the state of Florida.

Video

Visit our YouTube page to access our library of videos. Our page contains tons of awesome videos, highlighting our programs and services while sharing the stories of those affected by problem gambling.

Trainings

We regularly hold trainings and seminars throughout the year. In addition, we train casino employees around Florida in best practices when it comes to Responsible Gaming and Player Protection.

Research

The gambling and treatment fields are constantly evolving. We conduct and sponsor research to help better understand problem gambling.

Are you ready to start a conversation?
Get in Touch

Blog

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