[IMAGE] Ice Hockey Didn’t Always Have Nets

Ice Hockey Didn’t Always Have Nets

Did you know that goal nets haven’t always been a part of ice hockey? The sport has a long history, dating back to at least March 3, 1875, when the first recorded game took place at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Canada.[1] At first, the goal zone was marked only by two poles or…read more

Men are More Likely to Suffer from the Hidden Addiction

According to 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine data for 2017-2018, of the more than 1,700 callers who identified the gambler’s gender, 66% indicated male, and for those who specified the age and gender (nearly 1,200), 94% were young men between the ages of 18-20.[1] That’s cause for alarm! Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month, and…read more

[IMAGE] Dexter Shows Us the Damage Gambling Addiction Can Do

Dexter Shows Us the Damage Gambling Addiction Can Do

TV series and movies often glorify gambling, showing the hero or heroine as the smooth roller. Think Casino Royale from the James Bond series or Ocean’s Eleven. But a past episode of Showtime’s Dexter followed a slightly different path. If you’re not familiar, the Dexter series is a crime drama mystery that takes place in…read more

[IMAGE] Declare Yourself a Winner

Declare Yourself a Winner

The Triple Crown is a series of three thoroughbred horse races for three-year-old horses, which occurs each year during May and early June. Over time it has been considered one of the most difficult accomplishments in horse racing, and quite possibly across all sports because it requires a three-year old horse to win the Kentucky…read more

[IMAGE] The Hidden Addiction is Watching Tonight – Will It Be on Your Couch?

The Hidden Addiction is Watching Tonight – Will It Be on Your Couch?

Wow! If your bracket isn’t broken by now, we would be amazed. With upsets right out of the gate and continuing throughout, March Madness® 2019 has given us whiplash with upsets and buzzer-beaters. There have even been surprises off the court, like when Steph Curry gave his signature kicks to Texas Tech and Auburn players…read more

[IMAGE] Shocking Statistics Show Why We Need Money Smart Week®

Shocking Statistics Show Why We Need Money Smart Week®

Right now, we’re in the middle of Money Smart Week® 2019. This national campaign is held each year to educate folks young and old about better management of personal finances. It’s a noble cause, given that many Americans are not in good shape financially: 44% of Americans don’t have the funds to cover a $400…read more

[IMAGE] Don’t Make This Common March Madness® Bracket Mistake

Don’t Make This Common March Madness® Bracket Mistake

Did you watch the 2019 March Madness® Selection Show last night? Judging by the vibrant emotions on display and unrelenting energy, you would almost think it was the championship game itself. “Selection Sunday” is an annual TV tradition that builds excitement for the coming showdown between the top men’s college basketball teams in the country….read more

It’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month: Here’s How You Can Become Involved

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) invites you to join with our partners across the Sunshine State in promoting March 2019 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) within your community and among the population you serve. Your assistance will help to raise awareness about problem gambling and available resources through the FCCG’s 24-Hour Confidential and Multilingual…read more

Backetball hoop and ball

Don’t Go Mad This March

Have you ever wondered why Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) takes place in March? Originally a week-long event, PGAM was established by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to raise awareness about gambling addiction during the NCAA March Madness tournament. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is one of more than 30 State…read more

[IMAGE] A Breakup Letter to Gambling Addiction

A Breakup Letter to Gambling Addiction

To My Gambling Problem, This isn’t easy for me, but it’s time for me to be honest: It’s over. For years, I had been fooling myself by thinking things between us would change. With you, it was always tomorrow, next week, next month, next year – but you could never let me just be me….read more

Domestic Violence – A Well Defined Problem with Foggy Solutions

Domestic Violence A Well Defined Problem with Foggy Solutions October 15, 2015 Every nine seconds a woman is beaten in America. That’s right, in America. By the time you are done reading this blog post, about 7-9 women will have been physically assaulted in the United States. We live in one of the most advanced, industrialized…read more

The NCAA Cracks Down on Fantasy Sports

The NCAA Cracks Down on Fantasy Sports September 30, 2015 40 million Americans play fantasy sports. That number includes scores of college athletes. Call it the Pete Rose affect, but there is a general distaste for the of athletes partaking in gambling. The NCAA recently took a stand against fantasy sports, barring their players from…read more

What to expect when you first call

What to expect when you first call September 15, 2015 For gamblers, the decision to enter into recovery is often not an easy one.  We live in a culture that reinforces the concept of, “pull yourself up by the bootstraps.” Within the addiction realm, there is a quiet voice that addicts have to contend with,…read more

The New Gateway Drug

The New Gateway Drug September 4, 2015   The final preseason games have been played, which means that the NFL season in upon us. Professional football has become a staple of American culture. Every Monday, Thursday, and of course Sunday, millions of people will tune into watch their favorite team. Actually that last sentence is…read more

5 Myths About Addiction

5 Myths About Addiction August 16, 2015   1. Overcoming addiction is simply a matter of willpower. Sure, we wish it were that easy. Just stop gambling. Easier said than done. With drugs, prolonged exposure alters the brain in way that results in powerful cravings and compulsions. A gambling addiction has similar parallels. These brain…read more

Fantasy Sports and Online Gambling

Fantasy Sports and Online Gambling July 15, 2015 I spent the July 4th holiday like many people… with friends, grilling out by the pool. While catching up with my college roommate, he was quick to inform me about how much money he spent gambling last month… The amount of money lost wasn’t the shocking part……read more

7 non-related but ever-important questions to ask yourself

7 non-related but ever-important questions to ask yourself July 2, 2015   The FCCG recently visited the University of Central Florida’s Counselor Education program and presented our Awareness Now program to their counselors in training. Being a graduate of the program, it was comforting to walk back into the classroom. There is something therapeutic about…read more

A Culture of Silence

A Culture of Silence June 16, 2015 Recently, I was fortunate enough to serve as an exhibitor at the Asian Cultural Event in Orlando, Florida. The FCCG purchased a table at the event in order to expose the Asian community to the various problem gambling resources available to Floridians. I’ve tabled at events like this…read more

Planes and Bad Behavior

Because of airplanes, it’s possible to eat breakfast in Orlando but have lunch in New York City. In theory, modern air travel is a marvelous luxury. In reality, there is nothing fun about the actual flying. Waiting in long lines at airport security coupled with the limited space coach seating provides makes the actual process…read more