[IMAGE] Problem Gambling, Anxiety, and Mental Health Checks During Tense Times

Problem Gambling, Anxiety, and Mental Health Checks During Tense Times

While some are excited that the New Year has begun, it may be a different story for others. The continuation of pandemic health risks in the United States, job insecurity, and a tense political climate may cause feelings of anxiety and panic. While 2020 was difficult, everyone should stay keen when it comes to their mental…read more

[IMAGE] If Cutting Back or Stopping Gambling Was Your (or a Loved One’s) New Year’s Resolution, Read This

If Cutting Back or Stopping Gambling Was Your (or a Loved One’s) New Year’s Resolution, Read This

Millions of Americans partake in the annual tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions, but did you know that only 35% of those who made resolutions last year say they kept them all?[1] So, where do things go wrong? According to Psychology Today, the top four reasons New Year’s resolutions fail are not setting clear goals,…read more

[IMAGE] The Holidays Just Aren’t the Same with Problem Gambling in the Family

The Holidays Just Aren’t the Same with Problem Gambling in the Family

Most will be able to celebrate the end of 2020, a year full of challenges and changed plans. The pandemic has motivated, if not required, families to spend more time at home and enjoy the holidays differently. Everyone nonetheless hopes for the ideal holiday season: to have the time of rest, cheer, and most importantly,…read more

[IMAGE] Give the Gift of Prevention: Keep Kids Away from Lottery Play

Give the Gift of Prevention: Keep Kids Away from Lottery Play

Sanford, FL: Today, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is joining the National Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign to raise awareness about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to minors during the holidays and to encourage parents and others to choose safer gifts. According to Jennifer Kruse, FCCG’s Executive Director, “Unfortunately, the myth persists…read more

[IMAGE] Reflecting On Video Games, Loot Boxes, and Their Correlation with Problem Gambling

Reflecting on Video Games, Loot Boxes, and Their Correlation with Problem Gambling

In 2020, the conversation has been centered around the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on daily life, including an increased reliance on technology. Activities that would typically happen in-person, such as school, work, hanging out with friends, and family gatherings, have shifted online. The COVID-19 crisis and the confinement and other restrictions associated with it…read more

[IMAGE] Raising Awareness Before the Holidays: Safer Gambling Week 2020

Raising Awareness Before the Holidays: Safer Gambling Week 2020

As we get into holiday season mode, mentalities begin to shift to vacation, leisure activities, and family time. While 2020 has been an exceptional year and holiday gatherings will likely be tapered back due to the risk presented by COVID-19, the importance of raising awareness about the impacts of gambling addiction has only increased. It…read more

[IMAGE] Combat Gambling Addiction: Prevention is the Best Defense

Combat Gambling Addiction: Prevention is the Best Defense

Every November, also known as Military Family Month, our nation proudly pays tribute as a symbol of gratitude, remembrance, and support for our nation’s heroes on Veterans Day. These individuals are members of our country who have proudly served in the U.S armed forces. Though we recognize the journey that these individuals faced while in…read more

[IMAGE] Problem Gambling and Financial Planning Don’t Mix

Problem Gambling and Financial Planning Don’t Mix

Did you know that October is Financial Planning Month? Financial planning is vital to reach long-term goals while paying short and long-term expenses, whether working towards a down payment on a new home, saving for your child’s college tuition, or ensuring a more comfortable retirement. This alone isn’t an easy balancing act, and many hire…read more

[IMAGE] FCCG Annual Report Reveals Striking Impacts of COVID-19 on Those Suffering from Gambling Addiction

FCCG Annual Report Reveals Striking Impacts of COVID-19 on Those Suffering from Gambling Addiction

Sanford, FL: Today, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) released its FY 2019-2020 Annual Report of its statewide 24-hour Problem Gambling Confidential and Multilingual HelpLine (888-ADMIT-IT), which revealed important findings, some of which present significant implications. During this past fiscal year (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020), the agency received 17,848 contacts, of…read more

[IMAGE] The Aftermath of Gambling Addiction on Relationships

The Aftermath of Gambling Addiction on Relationships

Multiple factors can influence a person to develop a gambling addiction. It is essential to know that most individuals who struggle with this addiction by no means planned to let their gambling spiral out of control. To help individuals who battle with problem gambling, we must understand the difficulties they face. Problem gambling results in…read more

6 TIPS TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

6 TIPS TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS Turn on any television, radio, or simply scroll through your Facebook feed and you will be immediately inundated with holiday cheer. And while the holiday season is undoubtedly a time for joy, for many, the holidays can be an extremely stressful time. For those struggling with addiction, the stress…read more

Santa Says Give Responsibly This Holiday Season

Give Responsibly This Holiday Season The holiday season is upon us and if Black Friday wasn’t enough to get all of your shopping done and you still have more to do, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has an important message for you. Lottery tickets may be fun-filled and exciting presents, but they are not…read more

HONORING OUR NATION’S FINEST

HONORING OUR NATION’S FINEST November 9, 2017 Each year our country takes a collective pause and honors our Veterans. Over the course of American history, no group has given more to preserve, protect, and honor American values and our way of life. For many around the world, America is a symbol for freedom and democracy….read more

10 Tips for Family Caregivers

10 Tips for Family Caregivers November 3, 2017 In 1997 President Clinton signed the first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation and every president since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers each November. As our loved ones age, it’s important that the care given to them is healthy…read more

Domestic Violence, it’s a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Domestic Violence, it’s a Bigger Problem Than You Think October 12, 2017 It’s October, which means that it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each year, The FCCG joins millions of other voices to raise awareness concerning the epidemic that is domestic violence as it has a strong correlation with problem gambling. Domestic violence is a…read more

Your Mind Matters. Talk About It.

Your Mind Matters. Talk About It. October 2, 2017 Sadly, we kicked off Mental Illness Awareness Week with a mass shooting. With each passing mass shooting, the conversation turns towards the issue of mental health. While we have no definitive proof that mental illness was a contributing factor to this tragedy —as it seems one…read more

Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide Prevention Week September 14, 2017 Suicide in the United States, especially when you factor in the standard of living and amenities provided for everyday Americans, is teetering on an epidemic. Suicide in the United States has surged to the highest levels in nearly 3 decades, a federal data analysis has found, with increases in…read more

September is Recovery Month

September is Recovery Month September 5, 2017   The Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the driving force behind National Recovery Month which is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that proper treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental health and/or substance use disorder to live…read more

5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Mood for National Happiness Day

5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Mood for National Happiness Day August 11, 2017   National Happiness Day is celebrated in the beginning of August. Here are some simple tips you can implement to improve your mood and well-being.   Get Moving! Regular exercise has been linked to improved moods and overall health….read more

Big Losses, Fraud, and Problem Gambling

Big Losses, Fraud, and Problem Gambling August 11, 2017 While the average debt of our helpline callers is about $50,000, that is nothing compared to what some people have lost during bouts of high stakes gambling. Take Harry Kakavas for example. Kakavas made his fortune selling real estate on Australia’s Gold Coast and is considered…read more