The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc

Get Connected to Help and Hope

There are more ways than ever to get connected with the 24/7 Problem Gambling HelpLine. Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848), open a live chat on this website, email us at fccg@gamblinghelp.org, download the free mobile app, or connect with us on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

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We are the FCCG.
We are 888-ADMIT-IT.

Thousands of people contact the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine each year for help and information, and millions more have been exposed to the number and the services and resources the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) provides to Floridians suffering from the impacts of problem gambling.

WHO WE ARE

Help and hope for problem gambling are available 24/7 in Florida.

As the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual Problem Gambling HelpLine for the entire state, 888-ADMIT-IT is the gateway to a series of free services which are not available anywhere in Florida, online, or elsewhere.

Help seekers receive timely and updated resources as well as up-to-the-minute problem-gambling-related news, research, and information, along with FCCG’s tailored programs and services, available for both gamblers and their loved ones.

ABOUT THE HIDDEN ADDICTION

What is problem gambling?

A gambling addiction can be devastating. This disease affects a person’s self-worth, their relationships with others, their financial livelihood, and so much more. Problem and compulsive gambling is referred to as a “hidden addiction”, because suffering persons often appear normal on the outside. Like alcohol and substance abuse, the disorder does not discriminate and affects persons from all backgrounds and walks of life.

CAN GAMBLING REALLY BECOME AN ADDICTION?

Disordered Gambling is classified as a Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5. Initially recognized by the APA beginning in 1980, and previously referred to as “pathological gambling”, today “disordered gambling” is typically viewed and treated as an addiction. Like drug and alcohol addiction, compulsive gamblers often feel a physical “rush” when engaged in or thinking about gambling. Additional similarities to other addictions include being preoccupied with the activity, a decrease in tolerance that feeds the need to increase time and money spent gambling, engaging in illegal activities due to gambling, and experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms when forced to stop.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING?

“Problem gambling” is an all-inclusive term that refers to all gambling behavioral patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits and range from serious to severe difficulties. Symptoms include increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior despite mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, and even suicide.

PROBLEM GAMBLING CAN BE HARD TO SPOT. DISCOVER THE SIGNS.

Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.

Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.

Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.

Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling).

Often gambling when feeling distressed.

After losing money gambling, often returning to get even. (This is referred to as "chasing" one's losses.)

Lying to hide gambling activity.

Risking or losing a close relationship, a job, or a school or job opportunity because of gambling.

Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling.

Worried about your gambling or that of a loved one? Contact the HelpLine today.

CONTACT THE HELPLINE

Facts About Problem Gambling

For most, gambling is a form of recreation that doesn’t cause harm. But when gambling becomes a problem, the impacts can be devastating. How big of an issue is gambling addiction in Florida, and who is affected?

The Estimated Social Costs of Problem Gambling Represent Billions of Dollars Per Year

The Estimated Number of At-Risk Past-Year Problem Gamblers (Adults) in Florida

Florida Adults Who are Currently (Past Year) Diagnosable as Disordered Gamblers

Increase in Florida Contacts to 888-ADMIT-IT for Problem Gambling Help Over the Past Year

Increase in Florida Gamblers Age 25 or Younger in Need of Supports Since 2019-2020

Portion of Florida Problem Gamblers Who Started Gambling Before Age 26

Average Gambling-Related Losses of a Problem Gambler in Florida

Average Gambling-Related Debts of a Problem Gambler in Florida

SEE MORE DATA

2021-2022 Annual HelpLine Report: Highlights

Contacts made to the FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine during the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year continue to provide evidence that Floridians suffering from the negative effects of a gambling problem are in dire need of immediate supports. This video covers the most notable findings in the 2021-2022 Annual HelpLine data analysis.

CONNECT WITH THE APP

888-ADMIT-IT also has a free mobile app.

Download the free 888-ADMIT-IT mobile app to stay connected with the HelpLine and resources for problem gambling. Available on both Apple and Android devices, the app allows users to contact the HelpLine in just one or two taps, take a Self-Assessment Quiz to help detect problematic gambling behaviors, learn about the FCCG’s Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG), see problem gambling prevention tips, discover the warning signs of gambling addiction, and more.

APPLE DEVICES ANDROID DEVICES

Portfolio

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