[IMAGE] The Goals of Women’s History Month and Problem Gambling Awareness Month Go Beyond March

The Goals of Women’s History Month and Problem Gambling Awareness Month Go Beyond March

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) and Women’s History Month both happen in March, but that doesn’t mean the importance of these recognitions end there. It is always in our best interests to honor the contributions of women to history, culture, and society and likewise, to identify and raise awareness about the impacts that gambling addiction…read more

[IMAGE] The Connection Between March Madness and Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Connection Between March Madness and Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) coincides with March Madness, the popular NCAA basketball single-elimination tournament, and this is not by accident. Collectively, the games in the tournament will attract more in wagers than even the NFL’s Big Game. Following 2020, when March Madness was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sports bettors are eager to…read more

[IMAGE] March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Why Our Theme for Problem Gambling Awareness Month is “Shine the Light on Problem Gambling: Changing the Game”

On the one-year anniversary since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S, we can reflect on how this new way of life has affected the issue of problem gambling. The one thing that has remained constant throughout this period has been our commitment to serving Florida by providing hope and help for those affected by gambling…read more

[IMAGE] Celebrating Black History Month to Raise Awareness about Problem Gambling Prevention

Celebrating Black History Month to Raise Awareness About Problem Gambling Prevention

As we honor the history, traditions, and progress of all Black Americans during Black History Month, we must also recognize the challenges, including problem gambling. Problem gambling has many effects on an individual’s life, including but not limited to financial, relational, mental, and physical impacts. Consequences exist, such as elevated rates of anxiety, mood, and…read more

[IMAGE] Gambling Under the Guise of Investment: The Stock Market Day Trading Craze

Gambling Under the Guise of Investment: The Stock Market Day Trading Craze

Gambling is the act of risking anything of value on an activity that has an uncertain outcome. Though not often recognized as such, day trading on the stock market constitutes a form of gambling, and today’s trading apps and websites make it easier than ever. At the end of January, a thread on Reddit fueled…read more

[IMAGE] When Relationships Fall Victim to Problem Gambling

When Relationships Fall Victim to Problem Gambling

Many celebrate love, romance, and relationships during February and on Valentine’s Day. While no relationship is perfect, some endure significant hardship due to the presence of addiction, and gambling addiction is no exception. Did you know that relationship problems have been the top reported reason for seeking help by contacts to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine for…read more

[IMAGE] Calls for Problem Gambling Help Expected to Rise for Super Bowl LV Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Calls for Problem Gambling Help Expected to Rise for Super Bowl LV Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2021 CONTACT: Jennifer Kruse, (407) 865-6200 Calls for Problem Gambling Help Expected to Rise for Super Bowl LV Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Sanford, FL: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs are meeting at Super Bowl LV this Sunday, February 7, 2021, for the finale of the National Football…read more

[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

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

Problem Gambling… a Family Addiction

Recently, the FCCG was afforded the opportunity to speak to community members of the Port Orange Library. The presentation consisted of a standard overview of problem gambling. The audience was engaged, asked questions, and seemed to display a thirst to learn more about a very important topic. The Q & A session that succeeded the…read more

A Whole New World

Thank you for stopping in and reading the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling’s 1st ever blog post! We are beyond excited to enter the world of blogging. Over time, we hope to expose more people to information surrounding the issue of problem gambling. If you don’t know what the FCCG is or does, let me…read more