Every April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month calls attention to the responsibility we all share in creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. While conversations often focus on physical or emotional abuse, one critical risk factor is frequently overlooked: the impact of problem gambling within the home. [1] For thousands of Florida families, the…
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Gambling addiction rarely begins with a single catastrophic moment. Instead, it spreads quietly—one missed bill, one sleepless night, one strained conversation—until it affects nearly every part of life. Understanding how gambling harm shows up across major life domains is the first step toward interrupting the cycle. Just as important is knowing that confidential, multilingual, 24/7…
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Every year on April 6, schools, families, and communities across the country celebrate National Student‑Athlete Day—a moment to recognize the dedication, resilience, and leadership of young athletes who balance academics, training, competition, and community involvement. These students give their all, often with little spotlight and even less downtime. But as we honor their achievements this…
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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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