Problem gamblers and their family members frequently suffer harsh consequences impacting upon all aspects of their financial health, which often lead to legal difficulties. 

Compulsive gambling results in substantial hardship on individuals and their families.  It is not uncommon for gambling addicts to commit illegal acts, or to neglect family or employment obligations when in the midst of their betting. In many cases, the criminal intent or neglectful behavior is not intended or planned, but merely the result of the dream world of the compulsive gambler. These gamblers convince themselves that the wrong committed will be repaid after a big win and all will be fine. In actuality, the big win either never comes or when it does is used to continue the gambling, so the suffering is prolonged and frequently exacerbated.

A major component of a compulsive gambling recovery program is to teach the gambler and his or her family how to deal with their drug of choice – MONEY – and how to return to a normal way of life. The FCCG’s recovery workbooks, A Chance for Change, for gamblers and loved ones include guides that specifically address the topics of finances, as well as legal impacts.  HelpLine referrals also assist callers in facing their financial situation, creating a repayment plan, and addressing legal implications. 

WHAT DOES THE HELPLINE OFFER?

Financial Assistance Referrals

• Compulsive gambling can create havoc on the financial aspects of one’s life. You may be experiencing this personally or feeling impacted due to a loved one’s betting behavior. Either way, you might find that you need help to get back on the right path.
  
  

• The FCCG can provide assistance to help you take the steps necessary to take charge of your financial situation. However, since circumstances vary from person to person, direct contact with the FCCG is necessary.
  
  

• The FCCG has secured the assistance of treatment professionals and works with trained and certified financial counselors who provide personalized help. The FCCG only refers callers to credit counselors who have completed specialized training in aiding gamblers and their families in getting their finances in order, while repaying debts, making restitution, and working a recovery program. Such professionals work one-on-one with gamblers and their families to assess their financial situation and find the right solution, pending circumstances. All issues are handled with a specialist over the phone.
  
  

• Some Gamblers Anonymous (GA) chapters and meeting groups offer a Pressure Relief Group that assists the gambler and family members in addressing financial, legal and related problems due to gambling. A budget is devised and a repayment plan is recommended. (It’s important to also keep in mind that recovering persons already participating in self-help groups can likely provide referral sources with experience.)
  
  

• FCCG HelpLine referrals will also negotiate with creditors and reorganize payment schedules, amounts and other matters related to your accounts. 

Legal Assistance

Callers will frequently seek assistance for a legal problem or in response to an illegal act committed as a result of their gambling. The FCCG refers all cases to an attorney and legal expert in such matters. The information and assistance provided are furnished at no cost. In these instances, Specialists will request the caller’s telephone number so the attorney can return the call.  

The FCCG also provides referrals to Florida Legal Aid, which is a statewide, non-profit organization that provides general legal services to the population that cannot afford private counsel. This legal aid service has multiple offices throughout the state, with each branch servicing one or more counties. 

The FCCG has developed a series of recovery workbooks for gamblers, older adult gamblers and loved ones. Titled A Chance for Change, each series, comprised of seven books, contains one section on financial (i.e. workbook #4) and legal impacts (i.e. workbook #5) and may be used under guidance with a treatment professional while attending counseling and self-help supports, independently, or as a part of a recovery and restitution program recommended by legal counsel or ordered by a court.

Residents, credit counselors, treatment professionals, and law enforcement authorities in Florida may obtain a free copy of the recovery workbooks by contacting the FCCG HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT.  However, callers are required to make personal contact in order to place their request.