FCCG Interactive Forums

Throughout fiscal year 2009/2010, the FCCG responded to over 4,900 Help and Information contacts. This is a 12% increase over last year and the statistics show more than ever that there is a major gambling problem in the state of Florida. The FCCG received calls from 60 of the 67 counties with the h...

For individuals seeking help, whether they be the gambler or a loved one, it is important for them to realize that there are many options and resources available to them. It is also important to realize that each person is different and what might work for one, may not work for another. Here at the ...

Diana used gambling as an escape from her violent marriage. She would often come home from work to a spouse that was both an alcoholic but also a quick tempered person who would not think twice about physically abusing her. After the first couple of months of this, she would found solace in gambling...

The first step in getting help for any problem is to admit you have one. Right now there are millions of people in the United States that are struggling with a gambling problem. In Florida, there a several hundred thousand. Most of these individuals don’t know what to do to get help. They don’t know...

There are dozens of Internet Sweepstakes Centers in Florida. Their popularity has increased greatly over the last 2 years with Floridians but there is quite a dilemma regarding these facilities which is; is it gambling? These places are not regulated by the state and are more or less, dealt with on ...

Sports wagering is a big business in the United States. Whether done legally or illegally, billions are gambled on the outcome of sporting events each year. Nevada is the only state in the union that permits legal sports betting but there are many other ways to gamble on sports. There are casino cru...

Mark your calendars for Problem Gambling Awareness Week (PGAW), a grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign. This event will take place during the week of March 7-13, 2010 and focuses on the devastating impact compulsive gambling can have on fami-lies. The goal of this campaign is to educate...

The effects of problem gambling within the household can be devastating. Often times, the family of the gambler suffers more due to the neglect that takes place. The problem gambler doesn’t always realize the damage they are causing at home as they are too wrapped up in their dream world of hitting ...

The following is an actual call received by the 24 hour HelpLine at the FCCG. The names have been changed to protect anonymity. Bobby won a jackpot 11 years ago at a local casino. He enjoyed the rush he felt when he played the slot machines and soon started frequenting the casino several times a wee...

Most types of gambling are based on odds. Whether it is the odds of correctly hitting 6 numbers on the lottery or the odds that you will draw the card that completes a Royal Flush in a poker game, the odds of winning can be quite staggering. Let’s look at some odds and put them into perspective. Tak...

Help and Information contacts to the 24 hour HelpLine were up 5% over last year from 4,208 to 4,420. Many of the statistics were startling regarding problem gambling. Over one out of five gamblers (21%) were of senior age and 12% of the gamblers started wagering before the legal age of 18. The perce...

People with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease or Restless Leg Syndrome are often prescribed medications called Dopamine Agonists. These disorders cause the receptors in the brain to slow down the process or stop naturally creating these chemicals which are part of the “feel good” ce...

The college life brings about a whole new environment to individuals such as an increase in opportunities of socialization and a sense of independence that most have not experienced. Gambling among college students poses a danger to some if not kept under control. What may start out as a fun activit...

Problem and compulsive gamblers and their families are often in dire straits both emotionally and financially. It is not uncommon for persons to be in a situation where paying basic household bills is a strain or even impossible. Social service organizations such as United Way, catholic charities, f...

More and more active and veteran military members are having problems with gambling. This is a sensitive population because these individuals may perceive a problem with gambling as a weakness and often they feel they cannot seek help through their military base’s counseling services for fear of pun...