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Florida launches new problem gambling campaign

FLORIDA – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Today, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) touted a new theme to sports editors and media executives statewide -- IF YOU PRINT THE LINE, PRINT THE HELPLINE. With Super Bowl Sunday less than one week away, the state designated authority on gambling addiction, announced that media can score a touchdown by passing HelpLine information to their readers and viewers on sports pages and during radio and televised newscasts. According to Pat Fowler, FCCG Executive Director, a mere insertion stating the following can help minimize harm to Floridians statewide and is the least the media can do when advertising or posting bookmaking information, such as favorites and spreads:

"When gambling is no longer a game, call 888-ADMIT-IT 24-hour confidential Problem Gambling HelpLine Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc."

"The Super Bowl is one of the biggest gambling events of the year and calls to our 24-hour HelpLine (888-ADMIT-IT) spike this time of year. While sports betting is illegal in every state except Nevada, most newspapers and websites across the nation publish the line. All we are asking is to post the HelpLine number so people in need of assistance for a gambling problem can access services in or nearest their community," said Fowler.

While many can wager on the Super Bowl and other types of gambling without adverse effects, more than 500,000 Floridians experience serious to severe gambling difficulties and millions more are adversely affected.

"Gambling addiction is preventable and treatable but these options are only meaningful if residents know they exist. Our 24-hour toll-free HelpLine is staffed around the clock, is a confidential service, and can provide information and resource referrals pending caller circumstances."

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling is the statewide advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. The FCCG is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1988, an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling, and maintains a neutral stance on legalized gambling.

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