The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling and Seminole Gaming Urge Consumers to Rebound with the Florida HelpLine during Problem Gambling Awareness Month

SANFORD, Fla., March 2, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) and Seminole Gaming advised Floridians to Keep Gambling Fun! Don't Let Problem Gambling Affect Your Shot: Rebound with Florida's Problem Gambling HelpLine, 888-ADMIT-IT during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Gearing up for the one-month launch on March 1st, Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a nationwide grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign, first established by the National Council on Problem Gambling 18 years ago, that promotes recognition of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Recent research examining the prevalence rates of various forms of gambling revealed that 79% of Floridians reported engaging in some type of gambling activity in the past year, with 24% acknowledging participation in traditional sports betting, and 18% playing Fantasy Sports . In light of the Supreme Court ruling last year and expansion of sports betting across the country, coupled with a projected $10 billion wagered on the upcoming NCAA basketball championship games (i.e. March Madness), it is imperative to spread the message that help and hope exist for anyone struggling with a gambling problem in the Sunshine State.

"The PGAM campaign is important for Florida, nicely complementing Seminole Gaming's PlayersEdge Program, which aims to provide a safe and entertaining gaming experience by mitigating harm through the promotion of informed choices, positive play, and understanding of risks. While we recognize the vast majority of our guests will not experience gambling related difficulties, because some will, our responsible play messaging, alongside highly trained employees, makes us well-equipped to assist guests as needs arise," explained Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility for Seminole Hard Rock. "Our longstanding and ongoing partnership with the FCCG extending beyond two decades has shaped our responsible gaming program, which remains current, innovative, and focused," added Pellizzari.

"In order for someone who is affected by a gambling problem to seek help, there must first be awareness of the problem and of the solution. This comes through education and awareness of what a gambling disorder is, what it looks like, potential warning signs to look for, as well as by providing access to help, because one can't get help for a gambling problem if they don't know that help exists!" said Jennifer Kruse, FCCG's Executive Director. "Gambling addiction is treatable, and population-specific programs and services for gamblers and their loved ones are accessible any time of the day or night, any day of the year. The FCCG's 24-hour confidential and multilingual HelpLine may be reached by calling 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), texting (321) 978-0555, emailing [email protected], initiating a live chat at gamblinghelp.org, or by visiting us on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter," concluded Kruse.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 under contract with state government and is one of more than 30 affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling NCPG.

Interested in joining the FCCG's Problem Gambling Awareness Month Campaign? Call the 24-hour HelpLine, 888-ADMIT-IT, or visit the organization's PGAM website at reboundyourlife.org.

SOURCE The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.