[IMAGE] Financial Stress and Problem Gambling: The Hole Grows Deeper and Deeper

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

Financial stress isn’t something anyone wants to go through. However, in these unprecedented times, many have had to experience this side of the coin. With high unemployment rates, layoffs, and a slow economy, smart financial decisions may be what everyone needs to stay afloat. For individuals who suffer from problem gambling, the additional financial stress…read more

[IMAGE] The Importance of Strong Mental Health in the Fight Against Suicide and Problem Gambling

The Importance of Strong Mental Health in the Fight Against Suicide and Problem Gambling

Protecting our mental health should be a priority in our daily lives; September 6-12, 2020, is National Suicide Prevention Week. More than ever, we are taking steps to prevent suicide and effects that may come from gambling addiction. No one has escaped from the changes that this pandemic has brought on the world. Even though…read more

[IMAGE] Showing Care for Our Seniors Through Problem Gambling Prevention

Showing Care for Our Seniors Through Problem Gambling Prevention

In senior communities, one of the most popular recreational activities played is bingo. While you may think of bingo as a harmless pastime, for some it represents a gambling opportunity. For some older adults, bingo and other gambling activities may lead to the development of a gambling addiction and frequently, it goes unnoticed. These games…read more

[IMAGE] What Will the Football Season Look Like During the Pandemic? It’s a Good Time to Pause and Reflect on Sports Betting.

What Will the Football Season Look Like During the Pandemic? It’s a Good Time to Pause and Reflect on Sports Betting.

As the world aims to catch a glimpse of normality, this year has been unlike any other. Many are on their toes waiting for their favorite sport to kick-off, and the announcement of the Big Ten and the PAC-12 postponing the college football season until next year plus uncertainty with the NFL is leading others…read more

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

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

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

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

[IMAGE] With Gambling Addiction, Getting Rid of the “I Could Haves and Should Haves” Starts with Reaching Out for Help

With Gambling Addiction, Getting Rid of the “I Could Haves and Should Haves” Starts with Reaching Out for Help

The blame game? Have you ever played it? Felt it? Do you know it? It comes along the lines of blaming yourself for something you “should have done” or “could have done better.” It begins with a feeling within yourself, most often a negative feeling, that burns within you that in the past, you should…read more

[IMAGE] Gaining Independence from Problem Gambling

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

[IMAGE] As Florida’s Gambling Venues Reopen, Prevention of Problem Gambling Needs to be Top-of-Mind

As Florida’s Gambling Venues Reopen, Prevention of Problem Gambling Needs to be Top-of-Mind

While we are all still navigating our new normal , Florida’s gambling facilities are starting to reopen with new safety measures, including installing plexiglass, rigorous cleaning schedules, reduced capacity, and even disposing of cards and chips to help avoid the spread of the virus. But much like we need to prevent the spread of COVID-19,…read more

[IMAGE] Prevention of Problem Gambling Goes Hand-in-Hand with Men's Health Month

Prevention of Problem Gambling Goes Hand-in-Hand with Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about health and wellness for men and boys all over the country. It is used to encourage families to practice healthy habits. According to the Center for the Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States die an average of five years…read more

When Tensions are This High, Unplugging Should Sound Nice

So far, 2020 has presented our society and the world with challenges that were unthinkable in the recent past. Not only that – today’s issues are dividing us like never before. Tune into almost any news station or app, and you might feel anxious, angry, fearful, or sad after reading the first few headlines. This…read more

Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine Data Reveals Callers in Crisis Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2020 CONTACT: Jennifer Kruse, Executive Director, Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (407) 865-6200, gamblinghelp.org   Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine Data Reveals Callers in Crisis Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Sanford, FL: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape life as we had once known it, closures of traditional brick-and-mortar gambling facilities…read more

Moving Forward with the Spirit of Those Who Gave All

First and foremost, the FCCG would like to pass on gratitude for those that gave ALL to support our freedoms and way of life. Without the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice, we would not be the great country that we are. As we remember the valor of our country’s fallen heroes on…read more

This May, Mental Health Month is More Important Than Ever

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) would like to spread a message of peace, harmony, and well wishes to those who need it most during this pandemic.   May is Mental Health Month and in 2020, that means more than ever. Over 47 million Americans suffered from diagnosable mental health disorders in 2018.[1]  These…read more

Problem Gambling and Domestic Violence in Times of Crisis

These are trying times – not only for Floridians, but for people around the globe.  Being isolated and in “lockdown mode” can be a difficult experience.  It is important to keep staying positive and have hope that this will all be over sooner, rather than later. A troubling side effect – domestic violence is on…read more

The FCCG is Committed to Giving Help and Hope to Others During This Crisis

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) wants everyone to know that we are here for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-ADMIT-IT! Problem gambling resources are always available for gamblers, loved ones, friends, family members, and others. We realize this has been a difficult time for many people. Being isolated or…read more

COVID-19: Risks of Passing the Time with Online Gambling

With COVID-19 forcing everyone to stay inside and isolated, a lot of people are turning more to digital devices as forms of entertainment and discovering that many online pastimes contain elements of gambling. For many people, gambling is a safe recreational pastime. However, for some, it can turn into a dangerous addiction. From the man…read more