Florida’s Gambling Addiction Program

Providing HelpLine Services, Programs, and Supports for Gambling Addiction in the State of Florida

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (FCCG) has a longstanding history in the state and three decades of experience in the gambling addiction field. The FCCG is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) independent corporation whose primary mission is to increase public awareness regarding the risks and consequences associated with gambling; help problem gamblers, their families, and others adversely impacted; and advocate for programs, services, funding, and other supports to address population-specific needs. The FCCG maintains a neutral stance on the issue of legalized gambling while also seeking to assist citizens in need of problem-gambling-specific supports. 

The FCCG operates the statewide Problem Gambling HelpLine service 888-ADMIT-IT, providing free, confidential, and multilingual problem gambling assistance via telephone call, text message, email, social media, mobile app, and live chat available on the FCCG’s website (gamblinghelp.org) to thousands of contacts each year, from gamblers and their loved ones to professionals and affected others, such as employers, mental health treatment providers, educators, law enforcement and judicial professionals, probation departments, bankruptcy and financial counseling organizations, gambling industry operators, state government, policymakers, and others.  However, although the FCCG is recognized by most through its 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine, this is only one of the many services and programs it provides.  

As the only statewide organization of its kind in Florida, the FCCG has served under contract with Florida state government for more than three decades. More specifically, between 1988-2012, the FCCG served as the sole source provider furnishing problem gambling prevention programming and related supports in Florida. In addition to developing and implementing training programs for lottery employees, agents and equipment manufacturers, the FCCG also provided recommendations and proposed text for collateral materials and advertising over the years. As a result of these efforts, the Florida Lottery historically increased public and employee awareness about responsible gaming and promoted the FCCG HelpLine and partnership via lottery literature (including a problem-gambling-specific brochure), play stand stickers, and by promoting the 888-ADMIT-IT number on the back of printed lottery tickets, on the Florida Lottery website, in annual reports, at exhibits, and through other means. Additional HelpLine exposure was further obtained through the Lottery’s posting of the HelpLine number on its electronic starlight displays at Florida Lottery agent locations.

In 1992, and prior to implementation of the responsible gambling programing provided to slot-licensed pari-mutuel gambling facilities in South Florida, the FCCG developed programming and assisted the Seminole Tribe of Florida in devising the State of Florida and the Tribe’s first-ever Responsible Gambling & Player Protection Program (RGPPP), as well as a “Train-the-Trainer” component, which has been significantly enhanced over past decades. This programming included training for designated casino employees & security staff, as well as HelpLine promotion at the Seminole Tribe’s Florida casinos through various signage and outreach awareness initiatives. Moreover, the FCCG authored an Employee Assistance Program for use in Florida and has been serving as a national model to other affiliate councils of the National Council on Problem Gambling for over 30 years.

In similar fashion, the FCCG has been providing gaming industry operators with responsible gaming program development and implementation services in the establishment and maintenance of responsible play programs. As part of the 2004 General Election, Florida voters approved a limited constitutional amendment to legalize slot machines at certain pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Broward’s referendum was successful on March 8, 2005, and Miami-Dade’s was successful on January 29, 2008. These referenda authorized slot operation at 7 facilities, and Florida law was then amended to authorize operation at an 8th facility (Hialeah Park Casino).

A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued by the state for operation of Florida’s Compulsive & Addictive Gambling Prevention Program. Upon receipt of award of the first of three (3) competitive solicitations for compulsive gambling prevention programming issued through RFP by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), beginning in 2007, 2013, and finally in 2019, the FCCG has provided this programming for Florida citizens. 

In July of 2024, despite the Florida Legislatures’ full appropriation of $2 million in funding for this program during the most recent legislative session, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) decided not to renew this contract, leaving Florida citizens without funding for critical problem gambling prevention supports or services, following the largest expansion of gambling in the state’s history via the recent introduction of online sports betting.

Equally important, in 2008 the FCCG, in partnership with the Florida Certification Board, developed and released Florida’s first ever gambling addiction certification program, Florida’s Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor (CGAC) credential, for licensed mental health treatment providers to provide problem-gambling-specific treatment services in the state. The CGAC, which is still available today, designates competency in the domains of Addiction Theories; Foundations of Problem and Pathological Gambling; Gambling Counseling Practice and Special Issues in Gambling; and Professional Responsibilities. Applicants must hold an active license (in good standing) issued by the State of Florida under chapter 397, Florida Statutes, OR one of the following FCB credentials: MCAP or CAP. Learn more.

Programs and services provided by the FCCG include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine Services: The FCCG operates a confidential and multilingual Problem Gambling HelpLine service, which can be reached 24/7/365 by calling or texting 888-ADMIT-IT; opening a live chat at gamblinghelp.org; emailing fccg@gamblinghelp.org; or reaching out on social media; where problem gambling help and information are provided to those in need. Available 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine resources are all provided free of charge to Florida citizens and include programs, literature, supportive intervention, referrals and resources, as well as a breadth of additional related population-specific supports. The FCCG also has extensive print publications (many available electronically and in audio file format, as well as in multiple languages of English, Spanish, and Creole), including informational brochures, toolkits, its A Chance for Change Recovery Workbooks, and research, while providing specific materials and information. Learn more.

• Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG): For those seeking on-demand options, or who lack insurance or the ability to pay for in-person counseling services, the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine provides problem gamblers with immediate access to interactive problem gambling supports, through the FCCG’s OPPG. It includes videos, readings, and exercises that cover topics such as understanding perspectives on problem gambling, including the neurosciences; strategies to address shame, boredom, and stress; as well as other helpful approaches for reducing problem gambling behavior. The FCCG’s OPPG also includes a no-cost assessment, with feedback on results provided to participants by a licensed and certified mental health treatment professional, as well as a downloadable certificate that is available for program participants upon course completion. This OPPG Certificate can be used for legal professionals, such as court systems or probation officers, as verification to document program completion and compliance with any court-ordered or court-referred problem gambling treatment supports a legal offender may be required to obtain. Learn more.

• Peer Connect Program: The FCCG’s Peer Connect Program was established in 2008 and today continues to be a successful support service for 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine contacts choosing their individual path of recovery from a gambling addiction. It provides gamblers and loved ones with the opportunity to speak to someone in recovery in an effort to facilitate an easier transition down the path and into recovery and/or treatment. This program’s goal is to motivate individuals to take necessary steps towards stopping gambling and rebuilding their lives, personally, professionally, and financially when necessary, through peer-to-peer supports. Learn more.

• Gambling Addiction Certification Training & Continuing Education Programs: The FCCG currently provides the required 60-hour certification training for licensed, mental health professionals (state and nationally approved) and furnishes 16 additional continuing education online modules for mental health and addiction professionals (credentialed by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling and The Florida Certification Board, respectively), and psychologists (credentialed by the Florida Board of Psychology). Learn more.

• Responsible Gambling & Player Protection Program (RGPPP) for Gambling Operators: The FCCG’s RGPPP assists gambling operators in providing an ongoing responsible gambling organizational philosophy and culture, as well as guest and employee exposure to the FCCG HelpLine and self-exclusion resources through facility signage, including additional print and collateral items featuring the 888-ADMIT-IT number. The FCCG’s RGPPP also provides gambling operators with employee training (online and live), arming industry with important knowledge on relevant problem gambling related topics, as well as current and identified trends or updates in the problem gambling field. Learn more.

• Financial Programming and Supports:  The burden of financial problems can be overwhelming for many individuals who contact the HelpLine. The FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbook Series for gamblers, loved ones, and older adult gamblers features one book within each 7-book series (Workbook #4) that addresses financial matters. In addition, the FCCG’s financial budgeting assistance program is available that provides financial guidance for problem gamblers and loved ones. The FCCG’s Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit (“Budget Tool”) provides financial guidance through assistance in the development of a budget and payment plan as well as accountability for problem gamblers though peer supports. Learn more.

• Legal Assistance Resources and Supports – for Problem Gamblers & Loved Ones: Whether criminal in nature (embezzlement, theft, fraud, etc.) or civil (divorce, foreclosure, etc.), the FCCG provides expert assistance and resources for individuals experiencing any type of legal consequences due to a gambling problem, completely free of charge. The FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbook Series for gamblers, loved ones, and older adult gamblers features one book within each 7-book series (Workbook #5) that addresses legal issues and can be used independently or under guidance with a treatment professional while attending counseling, and within self-help support groups. Finally, the FCCG’s OPPG, which is an8-week on-demand problem gambling self-help support program, includes a no-cost problem gambling assessment provided by a licensed gambling addiction certified mental health treatment professional, as well as a downloadable Certificate available upon program completion, which can be used for legal professionals, such as court systems or probation officers, as verification to document program completion and compliance with any court-ordered or court-referred problem gambling treatment supports a legal offender may be required to obtain. Learn more.

• Legal Programming and Supports – for Legal, Criminal Justice, & Court Professionals: Similarly, for Legal, Criminal Justice & Court Professionals (Legal Service Providers), the FCCG’s A Chance for Change Gambling Addiction and Crime Workbook, which is comprised of one workbook, enables legal, criminal justice, and judicial authorities to identify and secure viable alternatives to incarceration alone and provide the opportunity for rehabilitation to persons committing crimes as the result of a gambling addiction. This program provides free supports throughout every phase of the criminal justice process for law enforcement, legal and judicial professionals, probation officers, and state and federal prison authorities. The FCCG also offers an Online Problem Gambling Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Module for Treatment Professionals in Legal and Criminal Justice Settings, “Gambling Disorder: Assessment, Awareness & Application in the Criminal Justice System” which grants participants with 1.5 CEUs upon successful completion. This online training course about the link between gambling addiction and crime is geared towards treatment professionals in legal environments (e.g. jails, courts, etc.) and provides education and tools to use in assessing, diagnosing, and referring clients in the legal system that may exhibit signs of a gambling disorder or who may be experiencing legal difficulties as a result of their gambling. Learn more.

• Population Specific Programs – for College Students; Military Members, Veterans, and their Families; Seniors; Adolescents/Teens and their Parents; and for Service Providers for each of these populations: The FCCG’s Population Specific Programs, Resources, Literature, and Materials are designed specifically for identified populations who may be at-risk or already experiencing gambling-related problems – as well as for the professionals who serve these populations – preparing them to properly respond to individuals suffering from gambling addiction (or their loved ones) who may present for services. FCCG Population Specific Programs and Resources are developed to provide education and awareness about compulsive gambling and its impacts among specific segments of the population, along with targeted resources for help. Learn more about FCCG’s Population Specific Programs for college students, adolescents, and youth (read more); military populations (read more); and seniors (read more).

This information is not to be viewed as a comprehensive list of programs and services provided, but aims to give a broader understanding of the purpose and work of the 888-ADMIIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine on behalf of citizens of the State of Florida.