Don’t Ruin Your 4th with Illegal Bets on the 400

What do barbecue, the beach, and fireworks have in common? They’re all part of the way Floridians celebrate Independence Day! Not to mention, all three of these come with their own set of safety warnings. Daytona Beach also has a tradition for the holiday weekend that started in the summer of 1959. Originally dubbed the…read more

[IMAGE] Ice Hockey Didn’t Always Have Nets

Ice Hockey Didn’t Always Have Nets

Did you know that goal nets haven’t always been a part of ice hockey? The sport has a long history, dating back to at least March 3, 1875, when the first recorded game took place at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Canada.[1] At first, the goal zone was marked only by two poles or…read more

Men are More Likely to Suffer from the Hidden Addiction

According to 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine data for 2017-2018, of the more than 1,700 callers who identified the gambler’s gender, 66% indicated male, and for those who specified the age and gender (nearly 1,200), 94% were young men between the ages of 18-20.[1] That’s cause for alarm! Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month, and…read more

[IMAGE] Dexter Shows Us the Damage Gambling Addiction Can Do

Dexter Shows Us the Damage Gambling Addiction Can Do

TV series and movies often glorify gambling, showing the hero or heroine as the smooth roller. Think Casino Royale from the James Bond series or Ocean’s Eleven. But a past episode of Showtime’s Dexter followed a slightly different path. If you’re not familiar, the Dexter series is a crime drama mystery that takes place in…read more

[IMAGE] Declare Yourself a Winner

Declare Yourself a Winner

The Triple Crown is a series of three thoroughbred horse races for three-year-old horses, which occurs each year during May and early June. Over time it has been considered one of the most difficult accomplishments in horse racing, and quite possibly across all sports because it requires a three-year old horse to win the Kentucky…read more

[IMAGE] The Hidden Addiction is Watching Tonight – Will It Be on Your Couch?

The Hidden Addiction is Watching Tonight – Will It Be on Your Couch?

Wow! If your bracket isn’t broken by now, we would be amazed. With upsets right out of the gate and continuing throughout, March Madness® 2019 has given us whiplash with upsets and buzzer-beaters. There have even been surprises off the court, like when Steph Curry gave his signature kicks to Texas Tech and Auburn players…read more

[IMAGE] Shocking Statistics Show Why We Need Money Smart Week®

Shocking Statistics Show Why We Need Money Smart Week®

Right now, we’re in the middle of Money Smart Week® 2019. This national campaign is held each year to educate folks young and old about better management of personal finances. It’s a noble cause, given that many Americans are not in good shape financially: 44% of Americans don’t have the funds to cover a $400…read more

[IMAGE] Don’t Make This Common March Madness® Bracket Mistake

Don’t Make This Common March Madness® Bracket Mistake

Did you watch the 2019 March Madness® Selection Show last night? Judging by the vibrant emotions on display and unrelenting energy, you would almost think it was the championship game itself. “Selection Sunday” is an annual TV tradition that builds excitement for the coming showdown between the top men’s college basketball teams in the country….read more

It’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month: Here’s How You Can Become Involved

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) invites you to join with our partners across the Sunshine State in promoting March 2019 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) within your community and among the population you serve. Your assistance will help to raise awareness about problem gambling and available resources through the FCCG’s 24-Hour Confidential and Multilingual…read more

Backetball hoop and ball

Don’t Go Mad This March

Have you ever wondered why Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) takes place in March? Originally a week-long event, PGAM was established by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to raise awareness about gambling addiction during the NCAA March Madness tournament. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is one of more than 30 State…read more

These are Not the Only Players in the Game

Football is here in full force! The preseason rankings are starting to show their true colors, and the top teams in both pro and college leagues are being defined. You can still count on plenty of upsets throughout the remainder of the season, but even the pundits can’t predict when or how they will happen….read more

World Suicide Prevention Day: #BeThe1To Make a Difference

Suicide: A Growing Health Concern Suicide is a public health issue that does not discriminate against age or ethnicity and can impact anyone regardless of their social or economic status. In Florida, it is believed that one person dies by suicide every three hours. Unfortunately, that number is rising.1 While there is no single cause…read more

Super Mario™ Slot Machine Toy is Inappropriate in McDonald’s® Happy Meals®

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) joins the National Council on Problem Gambling by calling upon Nintendo® of America and McDonald’s® to stop marketing their Slot Machine Super Mario™ toy to children in McDonald’s® Happy Meals®. Today, Jennifer Kruse, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), joined the National Council on…read more

If You Gamble, Play It Safe.

Have you gambled in the last twelve months? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. In fact, the majority of Floridians gambled within the last year—and that’s okay, as long as you do so responsibly! Gambling is a legal activity in state of Florida for adults 18 years and older. In addition to operating the…read more

Suffering in Silence: Suicide and Problem Gambling

With high profile deaths such as Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, the issue of suicide and the stigma surrounding mental health have remained the center of many conversations throughout the United States and abroad. A recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that from 1999-2016, suicide rates have steadily increased…read more

World Cup Betting Pools are Not Safe for Everyone

You have probably heard a lot about this year’s World Cup – officially the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ – since it started about a month ago. Men’s soccer teams representing 32 different countries qualified for the tournament over a three-year period from a total spread of 211 teams. Will you watch the final this…read more

HAGS With These Summer Safety Tips

The yearbooks have been signed, school’s out, and kids all across the state are as excited as ever to dive head first into summer vacation. As internet access and video games are just a quick reach away, it is important to establish responsible gaming practices at a young age. According to data collected from our…read more

Why We Must Discuss Gambling Disorder for Men’s Health Month

Did you wear blue yesterday? In 1994, President Clinton proclaimed “Blue Monday” as the kickoff event for Men’s Health Week. Each year since, the nation observes Men’s Health Week from Blue Monday to Father’s Day to bring focus on the health issues affecting men. In tandem, the entire month of June has been dubbed Men’s…read more

Support #StigmaFree for Mental Health Awareness Month

Millions of Americans experience life through the lens of mental illness, and millions more – their family members, friends, and other personal connections – are affected. Living with mental illness is hard enough. Stigma makes it even harder by shaming those who need treatment into fear and silence. Did you know that one in five…read more