March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day—a timely reminder that, as Problem Gambling Awareness Month kicks off, one of the most under-recognized threats to teen well-being is hiding in plain sight. Every March 2nd, communities around the world observe World Teen Mental Wellness Day to open conversations, reduce stigma, and connect young people with…
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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)—a national grassroots campaign observed each year to spark heightened awareness and action. Here in Florida, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) leads PGAM by bringing together voices across the community to spotlight the real impacts of problem gambling and the confidential help and hope available 24/7 through…
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Problem gambling affects far more than finances. As control slips, the impact often spreads into many areas of life. The deeper the struggle becomes, the more complex these challenges can feel. Let’s explore these effects and then look at ways to restore balance and stability. Here is a list of many of the areas that…
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For anyone concerned about gambling, it’s important to be aware of the risks presented by the NCAA College Football National Championship Game coming to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on January 19, 2026, which can create a “perfect storm” for those in recovery for a gambling problem. This year’s biggest college football showdown is…
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The idea of making New Year’s resolutions goes back more than 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. During a 12‑day festival called Akitu, which marked their new year in mid‑March, they pledged to their gods that they would repay debts and return borrowed goods. Keeping these promises was believed to bring favor; breaking them risked…
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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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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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