Gambling is not a solution to Economic Woes

The impact of compulsive gambling can be debilitating. It can affect public safety, impact family, friends and employers. Results of problem gambling can include: physical violence, emotional abuse, legal and financial costs. Unfortunately, statistics show that there is a growing number of Floridians involved in illegal activities due to problem and compulsive gambling.

There is help out there. Employers can become involved with The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) at no charge. The organization provides materials free of charge.

Increase awareness:

• Post information or a banner on your company website
• Share information through a newsletter article
• Distribute FCCG materials
• Have an FCCG representative come to your company and speak
• Encourage Employee Assistance Programs to screen employees for gambling problems

You can receive a FREE toolkit on problem gambling in the workplace, or call a confidential phone line at 1-888-ADMIT-IT (available 24 hours a day).

Helpline Specialist make referrals to local resources depending on the callers needs and circumstances. Services include:

1. Self-help groups
2. Professional treatment options
3. Financial counselors
4. Legal assistance

Undetected and untreated, a gambling problem can eventually turn a valuable employee into a liability. Some signs to look for include:

• Lost time and productivity
• Arguments from gambling losses or borrowed money
• Theft of company property
• Embezzlement or misappropriation of funds
• Misuse of company property
• Turnover

For more information go to the website http://www.gamblinghelp.org/