Florida Council On Compulsive Gambling

09/12/2025

Did you know problem gambling can affect every part of your life—not just your finances? Chronic stress, sleep problems, and even heart issues can be consequences. Many people may not realize that problem gambling brings mental health struggles, strained relationships, and can even lead to physical symptoms like indigestion and permanent hair loss.

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

Many people who gamble casually for entertainment may not realize the serious consequences faced by those suffering from disordered gambling. Beyond financial struggles, strained relationships, and career setbacks, problem gambling can also take a toll on physical, psychological, and emotional healt...

09/10/2025

Responsible gambling means not betting more than you can afford, and knowing when to walk away. Discover more about the differences between responsible gambling and problem gambling for Responsible Gaming Education Month.

Can't Walk Away? Call or Text the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine.

Join RGEM to shed light on problem gambling while encouraging responsible gambling, and bring awareness and access to help for individuals, families, and communities in need.

09/01/2025

September is Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). The Three C's of RG—Clarity, Caution, and Control—help keep gambling recreational: understand how gambling works, set personal boundaries, and know when to walk away.

When these steps are skipped, problem gambling can threaten finances, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Reflect on your habits and create your Play Smart Plan for lasting fun and safety.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/for-responsible-gaming-education-month-rgem-play-smart-from-the-start/

Each September, Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) brings together advocates, operators, and communities to promote gambling literacy and consumer education. Led nationally by the American Gaming Association and supported in the Sunshine State by the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FC...

08/26/2025

Ever find yourself asking, "Why am I back in the same place I swore I'd move past?" With problem gambling, familiar patterns and false beliefs can trap you in repeated mistakes. Believing you can "win back losses" is one of the most common thought traps leading to destructive cycles.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/breaking-the-chains-of-problem-gambling-how-false-beliefs-lead-to-repeated-mistakes/

Ever find yourself asking, “Why am I back in the same place I swore I’d move past?” It’s easy to fall into familiar patterns, hoping for different results without changing what drives them. But our beliefs shape our behaviors—and those behaviors shape our outcomes. When you recognize that ...

08/14/2025

Grief is a natural part of life, but it can foster unhealthy coping mechanisms when left unresolved. Problem gambling often begins as an attempt to “numb out” from emotional pain and loss. From losing a loved one, a job, or even facing retirement, grief can linger and deeply influence behavior. Don’t let problem gambling take root—help is available.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/grief-how-problem-gambling-can-be-a-hidden-response/

None of us go through life without experiencing loss, and the grief that comes with it. While some people are naturally equipped with stronger coping mechanisms, others may face more frequent or intense losses. Each new loss can stir up the pain of previous ones, bringing old wounds back to the surf...

08/01/2025

Back-to-school season should be about preparing students for success, not worrying about finances impacted by problem gambling. For families, problem gambling can strain relationships and make it tougher to provide kids with what they need, from supplies to sports gear. Practicing full transparency and creating a dedicated school savings account can help reduce stress and strengthen household support systems.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/problem-gambling-doesnt-stop-for-back-to-school-prep-but-help-is-available/

As we know, gambling disorders require money to sustain. Overspending beyond our means can create serious issues in many areas of life. For those with families, it can severely damage relationships and strain household finances. The time and energy spent chasing the urge to gamble often come at the....

07/25/2025

Did you know that problem gambling can start as early as the pre-teen years, especially with easy access to smartphones and online gaming? Problem gambling often escapes notice because it lacks obvious physical signs, but parents should watch for changes in behavior, academic issues, or increased secrecy. Early identification is key. Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://gamblinghelp.org/national-parents-day-and-problem-gambling-how-to-spot-the-warning-signs-in-kids/

Many adults may not realize that children can start gambling at a very young age. Nowadays, with most children receiving smartphones around the ages of 10 to 11, this not only exposes them to social media peer pressure but also to the risk of engaging in gambling as minors. Problem gambling is a hid...

07/21/2025

If you need help getting to problem gambling recovery, call or text 888-ADMIT-IT! Learn more about the HelpLine and our free resource referrals on our website at https://gamblinghelp.org.

07/10/2025

Problem gambling often hides behind psychological armor—defense mechanisms like denial, minimization, and blame. These shields can make it difficult for individuals to recognize the impact of their gambling on themselves and those around them. By understanding these defenses, we can better support those struggling and help break down the barriers to recovery.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/doubling-down-on-defense-the-psychological-armor-of-a-gambling-disorder/

07/02/2025

Problem gambling is often called a family disease because it affects everyone in the household, not just the person gambling. Family members may unknowingly adapt to the problem gambler by taking on roles like the Enabler, Scapegoat, Hero, Lost Child, or Mascot. These roles can delay the discovery of the gambling problem and make recovery more challenging. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward healing. Recovery is possible, but it requires the support and involvement of the entire family. If any of this sounds familiar, remember that help is available.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/tangled-in-the-web-how-family-roles-shape-gambling-addiction-and-the-path-to-recovery/

06/20/2025

Problem gambling can have devastating effects on families and relationships. It often leads to a loss of control, which can result in emotional outbursts, financial strain, and even domestic violence. Abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, verbal, and financial—and may escalate or change over time, making it difficult to recognize or escape. If you or someone you care about is experiencing relationship problems or abuse linked to problem gambling, know that support is available. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine offers free, confidential help 24/7.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/domestic-violence-a-scary-factor-in-disordered-gambling/

06/11/2025

Problem gambling can dramatically shift family dynamics, impacting not just the individual but everyone in the household. Often, the signs are hidden until significant damage is done. Secrecy, denial, and enabling behaviors can become the new normal, making it difficult to seek help. Recovery requires honesty, teamwork, and the commitment of the entire family. Remember, you are not alone—confidential support is available 24/7.

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

https://gamblinghelp.org/how-problem-gambling-impacts-the-whole-family/