[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

Some Could Not Overcome the Urge to Bet on the Preakness Stakes

The anticipation to see world-class horses and their trainers line up for the second Triple Crown race had been building up for weeks. After being delayed due to the pandemic, the Preakness Stakes featured 12 horses on Saturday, October 3, 2020, for an event with no fans in the stands and shown through simulcast. The…read more

Financial Stress and Problem Gambling: The Hole Grows Deeper and Deeper

OUR 888-ADMIT-IT CONFIDENTIAL, MULTILINGUAL PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE IS ACCESSIBLE 24/7 AND AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE WHO IS AFFECTED BY A GAMBLING PROBLEM. WE OFFER VARIOUS RESOURCES, TOOLS, AND REFERRALS, TO HELP REGAIN CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES IN A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE WAY. IT ONLY TAKES ONE CALL. The burden of financial problems can be overwhelming for…read more

Showing Care for Our Seniors Through Problem Gambling Prevention

Within the past 20 years, gambling in the United States has become a preferred pastime. Here in Florida, gambling opportunities have increased, as has the senior population, which has been growing more rapidly than any other age group.  For most Florida seniors, as is true for most Americans, gambling is a form of entertainment that…read more

3 Ways Gambling Addiction Can Affect Your Life, Even if You Don’t Gamble

While there is no problem with recreational gambling, the moment when a person loses control over their gambling, it is when it becomes clear they have developed a gambling disorder. According to the DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Gambling Disorder is a diagnosable and…read more

The Importance of Self-Forgiveness on the Path to Recovery from Gambling Addiction

Gambling disorder is treatable and is widely recognized in the mental health community. Many individuals that have or are currently struggling with problem gambling face many difficulties, including but not limited to financial and legal troubles, emotional and domestic problems, family conflict, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and other mental health and domestic challenges such as…read more

Gaining Independence from Problem Gambling

On Independence Day, the United States remembers the sacrifices made in order for our country to become the “land of the free.”Our founding fathers fought for the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s the independence we value and wish for everybody to pursue. This month, we want to promote independence from…read more