Florida Council On Compulsive Gambling

06/03/2026

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and trauma can increase the risk of problem gambling, especially for veterans, first responders, and other trauma survivors. Gambling may feel like a way to escape intrusive thoughts or emotional pain, but it can quickly turn into a gambling problem that harms finances, relationships, and mental health.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/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 it...

05/20/2026

May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor the strength and contributions of seniors in our communities. It is also a crucial moment to recognize how problem gambling can quietly undermine older adults’ health, finances, and independence.

Many older adults live on fixed incomes, face social isolation after losing a spouse or friends, and may experience cognitive or physical changes that affect judgment and impulse control—all of which can increase the risk of problem gambling. What starts as a social outing or entertainment can quickly turn into a silent struggle that impacts relationships and mental well-being.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/the-silent-struggle-problem-gambling-among-older-americans/

May is Older Americans Month—a time to recognize the strength, experiences, and contributions of older adults in our communities. [1] It is also a critical moment to shine a light on issues that can quietly undermine their health and independence, including problem gambling. While gambling is ofte...

05/12/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, remember that problem gambling is more than just a money issue – it’s a mental health condition that can affect emotions, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life. If gambling is causing stress, conflict, or emotional pain, it’s time to take it seriously. Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/web-letter-this-national-mental-health-awareness-month-learn-why-gambling-is-more-than-just-a-money-problem/

Each May, National Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to take a closer look at the many ways mental health shapes our lives. While conversations often focus on depression, anxiety, and substance use, one issue is frequently overlooked: problem gambling. Too often, gambling is seen as a financi...

05/01/2026

The Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown season can be a dangerous detour for those in recovery from problem gambling, with nonstop ads, social pressure, and “can’t-miss” tips everywhere you look.

Big race days are designed to feel special and time-limited, which can trigger urges, distorted thinking, and a slide back into chasing losses.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/the-kentucky-derby-a-dangerous-detour-for-problem-gamblers-on-the-path-to-recovery/

The Kentucky Derby and the rest of the Triple Crown season can be a dangerous detour for anyone working hard to stay in recovery from problem gambling, even when they “don’t bet on horses.” In 2026, the racing calendar and a booming sports-betting environment create more triggers, more access,...

04/22/2026

National Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing home—and that problem gambling in the household can quietly undermine that safety.

Kids do not have to gamble themselves to be harmed when an adult’s problem gambling leads to emotional stress, financial instability, or neglect in the home.

If gambling is causing secrecy, conflict, or money problems, it may be time to reach out for support. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine offers confidential, multilingual assistance, referrals to certified counselors, and resources for parents and other concerned loved ones at no cost.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/april-is-national-child-abuse-prevention-month-do-you-know-the-connection-to-problem-gambling/

While conversations often focus on physical or emotional abuse, one critical risk factor is the impact of problem gambling within the home.

04/16/2026

Problem gambling can quietly turn into missed bills, sleepless nights, and strain with the people you love. It can affect finances, mental health, work, and home life—but each of these areas can be rebuilt with the right support.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/how-gambling-addiction-disrupts-8-major-life-areas/

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 ...

04/06/2026

Today is National Student-Athlete Day — and problem gambling is a growing threat to the students we celebrate. From academic decline to online harassment, the risks go far beyond the field.

Find out what every coach, parent, and educator needs to know.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/web-letter-protecting-student-athletes-from-the-dangers-of-problem-gambling-on-off-the-field/

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 thei...

03/23/2026

🎰 Is Florida's gambling addiction hotline being used to profit off problem gamblers?

A WPTV investigation raises serious questions about who's really benefiting from the state's gambling helpline — and it may not be the people who need help most.

New documents show that after the Florida Gaming Control Commission switched the state's gambling hotline to a new nonprofit called Kindbridge Research Institute, that nonprofit signed a subcontractor agreement with a for-profit company connected to it — Kindbridge Behavioral Health — which then received payment for a range of services.

"It's a great business model for them. The incentive is going to be to self-refer... the incentive is to increase their bottom line." — Jennifer Kruse, Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

Watch our story in the comments section below:

03/18/2026

March is both Women's History Month and Problem Gambling Awareness Month — and the overlap matters more than you might think.

Women are one of the fastest-growing groups affected by problem gambling. Data from the FCCG's 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine reveals that while males continue to represent the vast majority of sports betting-related help seekers, the number of female sports bettors seeking help increased more than tenfold from the pre-legalization period to the most recent post-legalization year in Florida.

This month, we are shining the light on the unique ways problem gambling impacts women — and why now is the time to start the conversation.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/shining-the-light-on-women-and-problem-gambling-for-womens-history-month/

March is Women's History Month—and it's also Problem Gambling Awareness Month. That powerful overlap gives us an important opportunity to examine a story that has too often gone untold: the rising and unique impact of gambling disorder on women. When most people picture a problem gambler, they pic...

03/12/2026

Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky led a webinar yesterday on behalf of the FCCG, which featured 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine data and raised awareness about the emerging impacts of on teens, college students, and young adults as part of .

The webinar was also sponsored by Drug Free Lee, the Southwest Florida Prevention Alliance, and the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), was free to attend, and was open to the public.

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