[IMAGE] National Lottery Week Provides Opportunity to Distinguish Between Myths and Facts

National Lottery Week Provides Opportunity to Distinguish Between Myths and Facts

The week of July 11th is National Lottery Week and a time to acknowledge that while lottery games are a form of entertainment for the overwhelming majority of Floridians who play, they can create serious difficulties for a segment of the population – problem gamblers. There are many misconceptions people have about lottery games, so…read more

[IMAGE] In Honor of Social Wellness Month – Let’s Zoom in on Ourselves and Loved Ones

In Honor of Social Wellness Month – Let’s Zoom in on Ourselves and Loved Ones

“The FCCG is embracing its new framework, ‘Healing One Day at a Time’ because the truth is that healing is a process that takes time, so it is essential that we remind ourselves and others that it is never too late to start the path to recovery, one day at a time.” ­­­­­­­­­­­July is Social…read more

[IMAGE] Celebrating a Newfound Independence – Healing One Day at a Time

Celebrating a Newfound Independence – Healing One Day at a Time

“…the FCCG is embracing its new framework, “Healing One Day at a Time” because the truth is that healing is a process that takes time, so it is essential that we remind ourselves and others that it is never too late to start the path to recovery, one day at a time.” On July 4th,…read more

[IMAGE] How Problem Gambling Awareness Fits Into National Men’s Health Month

How Problem Gambling Awareness Fits Into National Men’s Health Month

June is also National Men’s Health Month, and perfect timing for a reminder to encourage the man or men in your life to take care of their bodies by eating right, getting sufficient sleep, engaging in exercise, and working to prevent disease. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten awareness regarding preventable health…read more

[IMAGE] It's PTSD Awareness Month: Here's Why Problem Gambling Should Be Part of the Conversation

It’s PTSD Awareness Month: Here’s Why Problem Gambling Should Be Part of the Conversation

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after witnessing or experiencing a life-threatening event, such as military combat, a national disaster, a car accident, violence or abuse, a major injury, or some other traumatic incident. June is PTSD Awareness Month in the United States, and it is important…read more

[IMAGE] Embracing Forgiveness Can Positively Change Your Life

Embracing Forgiveness Can Positively Change Your Life

Health studies show that people who are willing to forgive themselves and others are happier and healthier than those who hold resentments. It can often be difficult for problem gamblers to ask for forgiveness because they do not feel worthy of it, experience deep levels of shame, regret, and sadness caused by their actions, offenses,…read more

[IMAGE] For National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Learn How Problem Gambling Can Affect Older Adults

For National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Learn How Problem Gambling Can Affect Older Adults

Though gambling addiction is serious for anyone affected, different factors come into play for older adults. Retirees have plenty of leisure time on hand, and unfortunately, those who have a problem with gambling will see this as an opportunity to spend even more time and money at casinos or on other types of gambling, worsening…read more

Problem Gambling Awareness Matters, Even in the Workplace: Global Employee Health and Fitness Month

The month of May is recognized as Global Employee Health & Fitness Month (GEHFM), an annual awareness event which aims to “promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to employers and their employees through worksite health promotion activities and environments” [1]. Problem gambling can affect anyone from any age, gender, background, or ethnicity. The issues…read more

Why Mental Health Awareness Month Must Include Recognition of Gambling Disorder

Problem gambling was first classified as a psychiatric disorder in 1980[1]. Currently, gambling disorder is classified in the DSM-V as a behavioral addiction characterized by the inability to stop gambling. Those who suffer from gambling disorder experience a wide range of severe life impacts, including significant levels of debt; relationship problems; illegal acts to fund…read more

[IMAGE] For National Financial Literacy Month, Let’s Talk About the Crippling Debt That Can Come Along with Problem Gambling

For National Financial Literacy Month, Let’s Talk About the Crippling Debt That Can Result from Problem Gambling

It is no secret that problem gambling can lead to financial problems. According to Debt.org, 85% of adults in the United States have gambled at least once in their life, and some 23 million Americans go into debt because of gambling. [1] Those suffering from a gambling addiction have become desensitized to taking financial risks…read more

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