Category: Problem Gambling Awareness

Life can get busy with work, family, and everyday responsibilities, but for those who feel lonely or down, each day can feel like an eternity—especially for individuals struggling with problem gambling, substance use, depression, or other behavioral challenges. At the Florida Council on Problem Gambling (FCCG), our goal is to educate the public and raise…
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Whether you’re just beginning to think about quitting gambling or have already taken steps toward recovery, it’s important to understand what drives your gambling behavior. It often begins with an urge or thought—free time, the desire to escape, and easy access to money are some of the strongest triggers. Relapse is part of a cycle,…
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The holidays are here again, and for problem gamblers, this season can bring added stress—especially when money is already tight for food, family, and gifts. With the rising cost of everything from groceries to gas, it’s even more challenging to make ends meet. Each December, we join the Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness about…
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The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but when you add gambling addiction and all that comes with it, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Extra expenses for family meals, gifts, travel, and having children home from school can quickly add up, and by the time New Year’s arrives, the stress can seem endless. Whether you’re…
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No matter where you are on the spectrum of a gambling problem – whether you’re just beginning to feel things slipping out of control, deeply caught in compulsive gambling behaviors, starting your recovery journey, or already maintaining recovery – there are always personal triggers and warning signs. Recognizing them can help you avoid returning to…
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As we honor and thank those who have served and sacrificed for our country this Veterans Day, it’s important to recognize the many layers of their experiences. When veterans return home and transition out of military service, they often find that while their surroundings may look the same, they themselves have changed. Supporting veterans means…
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Gambling often begins as a harmless form of entertainment – an occasional bet, a night out at the casino, a few clicks on a mobile app. But for some, what starts as fun can spiral into a pattern of risk, loss, and emotional turmoil. One of the most painful consequences of problem gambling is the…
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Problem gambling is often called the “hidden addiction” because, unlike substance abuse, it leaves no physical signs that can be smelled or seen. For many, gambling begins as a form of fun and entertainment, but for those with a tendency toward addiction or escape behaviors, it can quickly spiral out of control. At that point,…
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National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month is recognized every October. The event raises awareness about depression, encourage screening for signs and symptoms, and connect individuals with support for mental health challenges – including disordered gambling and substance use. It’s a reminder that help is available, and that recognizing the need for support…
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When reflecting on your gambling habits and questioning whether they may be a problem, a good starting point is to notice if you’re spending increasing amounts of money or time on gambling. It’s also important to examine the reasons behind why you gamble. Disordered gambling may begin with a single big win or gradually take…
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