[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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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