WEB LETTER: For Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), Play Smart from the Start

Each September, Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) brings together advocates, operators, and communities to promote gambling literacy and consumer education. Led nationally by the American Gaming Association and supported in the Sunshine State by the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), this year’s theme—Play Smart from the Start—encourages anyone who chooses to gamble to understand the risks, set personal limits, and make informed choices from day one.

Remember the Three C’s of RG

A solid plan—and a backup plan—keeps gambling a game. RGEM centers on the Three C’s: Clarity, Caution, and Control. Learn how gambling works and the odds involved, map out your Play Smart Plan before you start, and set your time and money limits in advance. Take breaks, stick to your boundaries, and know when to walk away.

• Clarity: Understand how gambling works, including the odds and risks involved. By fostering this knowledge, individuals are better equipped to make smart, informed decisions, because responsible gaming doesn’t begin at the table or the app – it begins in the mind.
• Caution: Do you know the steps to responsible gambling and the differences from problem gambling? Going in with a Play Smart Plan makes a big difference – get help creating yours for free here. 
• Control: Only you can keep your gambling responsible, and only you can set your boundaries. Set time and money limits before you start, and stick to them. Take breaks in play when YOU need them. Know when to walk away, even if nobody else does.

Learn more about the campaign on our RGEM Campaign Microsite at gamblinghelp.org/rgem.

Make Your Play Smart Plan for Free Today

FCCG’s new “Play Smart Planner” tool, developed for RGEM this year and available on the RGEM Microsite here, is free to use and guides users through responsible gambling information and activities in the creation of a personalized “Play Smart Plan,” which can be downloaded or saved at the end.

Throughout, users are asked to reflect on their own gambling experiences and challenges while making personal responsible gambling goals. The FCCG’s Play Smart Planner provides a free responsible gambling utility for Florida gamblers and gambling facilities, while reinforcing the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine for those in need of problem gambling supports. In addition to the Play Smart Planner, there are 5 other interactive and educational games on the Microsite, which are free to play.

FCCG’s New RGEM Brochure in Florida’s Casinos and Gambling Facilities

The FCCG developed a new 2025 RGEM Signature Brochure for distribution to both patrons and employees at Florida gambling facilities. This year’s brochure features the 888-ADMIT HelpLine number, encourages patrons to “Play Smart from the Start”, contrasts the key elements of responsible gambling with the signs of problem gambling, and promotes 24/7 access to confidential and multilingual help and hope through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. Further, the brochure enables ongoing exposures and access to supports inside Florida gambling facilities for those in need of help or assistance with a gambling problem.

Shining the Light on the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine with New RGEM Keychains

To accompany campaign literature and messaging this year, the FCCG also developed a Signature Collateral item for the 2025 RGEM campaign, Light-Up LED Light Bulb Keychains featuring the campaign tagline “Play Smart from the Start” and the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine number. This collateral provides safety for users through full LED illumination of the light bulb, while at the same time “Shining the Light” on the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine and serving as a useful takeaway.

RGEM Toolkit for Operators, Policymakers, and Partners

RGEM is a chance to elevate standards, strengthen training, and put help within everyone’s reach.

• Operators: For employees, refresh training and resources so frontline staff can spot issues and connect people to 888-ADMIT-IT. Make it engaging with quizzes, prizes, and recognition. For patrons, feature responsible gaming messages and the HelpLine across social, websites, signage, kiosks, and apps. Distribute materials where customers make decisions.
• Policymakers and Regulators: Recognize RGEM with proclamations and highlight how responsibility supports a healthy market.
• Media and Industry Partners: Share self-assessment tools and amplify access to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine.

Give your campaign a head start with the FCCG’s free downloadable RGEM Toolkit, updated for 2025. The Toolkit features the FCCG’s Digital RGEM Signature Brochure, the FCCG’s RGEM Digital Banners in a standard size and a social media size, and the FCCG’s RGEM Social Media Guide with sample posts for raising awareness about the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine for Floridians. The Toolkit can be downloaded and used by anyone visiting the Microsite and is intended to increase participation among Florida organizations and professionals.

Know the Difference Between Responsible Gambling and Problem Gambling

Responsible gambling habits look different from the early signs of a problem. If you’re setting limits, taking breaks, and walking away when play stops being fun, you’re in healthy territory. If you find you can’t stick to limits, are chasing losses, or can’t walk away, it’s time to pause and get support. RGEM provides tools to help you spot the difference and take the next right step. Learn more about the differences on the RGEM Microsite.

Can’t Walk Away? Your Best Play is to Call or Text 888-ADMIT-IT.

Support is here, 24/7. The FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is confidential, multilingual, and connects Floridians to thousands of free resources not available anywhere else. Call or text anytime to get tailored referrals, up-to-date information, and supports for both gamblers and loved ones.

• Call: 888-ADMIT-IT
• Text: 888-ADMIT-IT
• Live Chat: Connect online with a specialist at gamblinghelp.org
• Get the App: Stay connected to supports with the 888-ADMIT-IT App
• Email: Get discreet, written support and referrals by sending an email to fccg@gamblinghelp.org

You’re not alone, and it’s never too late or too early to reach out. Thousands find a path forward each year!