The FCCG serves EVERYONE, provides confidential and free supports to persons in need of help, and aids professionals working with diverse populations.

Nearly 90% of Floridians have participated in some form of gambling. For most people, the activity of gambling is an occasional recreational pursuit that does not cause a problem. It is for some, however, a debilitating compulsion affecting every area of their lives.

Overall, more than 750,000 Floridians suffer from problems due to gambling, and millions more are adversely affected by the gambler’s activities. As compulsive gambling does not impact any one specific group of people, this addiction can be a threat to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, profession, or status in life.

In Florida, gambling problems are on the rise given the expansion of gambling opportunities, coupled with the promotion of venues by the gaming industry, government, the media, and others. Today, it is not uncommon to see the game of poker being played among every age group, and reflective of the impact of heavy media advertising. Similarly, a vast number of Floridians look to lottery games as their quick fix to getting rich, whereas sports-betting is a favorite among the young and old, yet is not a legal activity in the state.

In addition, a wide range of professionals, including doctors, lawyers and judges, athletes and others, are among those most likely to be at risk for developing a gambling problem.