WEB LETTER: Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Problem Gambling for National PTSD Awareness Month

June is National PTSD Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the lasting impact of trauma and the many ways it can affect a person’s mental health, behavior, and daily life. While PTSD is often associated with anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress, one lesser-discussed connection is its link to problem gambling.

For many individuals, gambling can become more than a pastime—it can turn into a coping mechanism.

How Trauma and Gambling Intersect

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as military combat, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or violence. People living with PTSD may struggle with intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and emotional numbness.

In an effort to manage or escape these symptoms, some individuals turn to gambling. The fast pace, distraction, and temporary emotional highs can provide a brief sense of relief or control. However, over time, this coping strategy can lead to the development of a gambling problem – and the financial stress, relationship strain, mental health challenges, and other impacts that come with it.

Research has shown that individuals with PTSD may be at a higher risk for developing gambling problems. This is especially true for populations such as veterans, first responders, and survivors of trauma—groups that may already face barriers to seeking help.

Why Gambling Can Feel Like Relief—But Isn’t

Gambling can create a cycle that’s difficult to break. The anticipation and excitement may temporarily mask feelings of distress, while losses can deepen feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression. For someone already navigating PTSD, this cycle can intensify emotional struggles rather than resolve them.

It’s important to understand: gambling does not treat trauma—it can complicate recovery.

Recognizing the Signs

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, it may be helpful to watch for signs of problem gambling, including:

• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or painful memories
• Chasing losses or spending more time and money than intended
• Hiding gambling behavior from loved ones
• Feeling restless, irritable, or distressed when trying to cut back
• Using gambling as a way to cope with emotional pain

Awareness is the first step toward support and recovery.

Help Is Available—You’re Not Alone

If gambling is becoming a way to cope with trauma or emotional distress, help is available—and it’s free, confidential, and accessible.

The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is a vital resource for individuals and families affected by problem gambling in Florida. Available 24/7, the HelpLine offers:

❖     FCCG’s Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG)

❖     FCCG’s Peer Connect Program

❖     FCCG’s A Chance for Change Self-Help Recovery Workbooks

❖     FCCG’s Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit

❖     FCCG’s Literature & Population-Specific Materials

❖     FCCG Website/Mobile App/Social Media Sites

❖     Referrals for Professional Treatment/Counseling Services Offered Through the FCCG’s Network of Licensed Gambling Addiction Certified Mental Health Treatment Providers

❖     Self-Exclusion Forms and Policy Information for Florida’s Land Based Gambling Operators

❖     Web Blockers, Ad Blockers, and Other Online Self-Exclusion Programs and Tools for Online Gamblers

❖     Legal Supports, such as Community-Based Legal Assistance Referrals and Advocacy for Treatment as an Alternative to, or in Conjunction with Incarceration

❖     Hotlines and Crisis Lines (Non-Gambling Specific Social Services and Emergency Assistance)

❖     Impaired Professional Services

❖     Mental Health and Addiction Supports

❖     Population Specific Needs (Older Adults, Women, Youth, College Students, Military Members/Veterans/Families)

❖     Online/Mobile Gambling/Video Game/Social Casino Gaming Addiction Resources

❖     Employee Assistance Programs

❖     Online Supports and Mobile Apps

❖     Consumer Protection Referrals

❖     Financial Programs and Supports which Address Both Immediate and Emergency Financial Needs, such as Homelessness, Utility Bill Assistance, Asset Seizure, Foreclosure, or Bankruptcy Issues

❖     Non-Emergency Financial Needs, such as Debt Management Programs, Debt Consolidation, and Credit Counseling Options that can assist families in getting their finances in order, while repaying debts, making restitution, and working a recovery program

❖     Plus an array of other services, pending an individual’s circumstances

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, reaching out can be the first step toward healing.

Veterans and Active Military: A Higher-Risk Group

Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families may face unique stressors, including exposure to trauma, frequent moves, deployments, and challenges with reintegration. These pressures can increase vulnerability to both PTSD and problem gambling, especially when gambling is used to “numb out,” cope with difficult emotions, or escape from painful memories and daily stress. When this happens, gambling can quickly move from a distraction to a serious problem that affects finances, relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.

In Florida, population-specific resources for military members, military families, veterans, and professionals are also available through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. These include:

• Military/Veteran Mental Health Services & Other Supports (Non-Gambling Specific): Through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine, individuals can be connected with mental health and community supports that address PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other concerns alongside gambling-related issues.
  
  
• FCCG Website – Military Toolkit: FCCG’s online Military Toolkit provides targeted information and tools for military members, veterans, families, and service providers, including education on warning signs, how to seek help, and how to talk about problem gambling in a military or veteran context.
  
  
• FCCG Literature/Materials – Military/Veteran & Family Member Specific: FCCG offers brochures, print materials, and other resources specifically designed for military and veteran gamblers, their loved ones, and professionals (including military and veteran service providers) to support understanding, early identification, and help-seeking.

All of these supports are free, confidential, and available statewide. Veterans, active-duty personnel, military family members, and professionals can contact 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848) to request the Military Toolkit, obtain military- and veteran-specific materials, and receive personalized help and referrals any time of day or night.

Moving Toward Recovery

Recovery from trauma and problem gambling is possible—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Addressing both PTSD and gambling behaviors together can lead to stronger, more sustainable outcomes.

This National PTSD Awareness Month, let’s continue the conversation. By increasing awareness of how trauma and gambling intersect, we can reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and support healthier coping strategies for those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine to learn more and get connected to resources today.