FCCG Background, Partnerships, and History of Working with The State of Florida

On March 10, 2023, during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) Executive Director Jennifer Kruse presented to the Florida Gaming Control Commission about the programs and services FCCG provides throughout Florida.

In this segment, Kruse introduces the FCCG, explaining that the organization is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that was established in 1988 as an independent corporation with its headquarters currently in Sanford, Florida. The Florida Council's mission is to increase public awareness regarding the risks and consequences associated with problem gambling. In doing so, the organization provides assistance to gamblers, loved ones, and others impacted throughout the State of Florida over its 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine. The FCCG also serves as the state advocate for programs, services, and other supports to address population-specific needs for citizens in the State of Florida with this addiction.

Kruse also provides a historical overview of the organization's funding, beginning with the Florida Lottery contract from 1988-2010. During this time, the FCCG developed responsible play programming for lottery staff and retailers including signage of the HelpLine number on all play stands across the state, as well as a statewide prevention, education, and awareness program for problem and compulsive gambling.

The FCCG has also had a partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida since the early 1990s and developed Florida's first-ever Responsible Gambling & Player Protection Program (RGPPP) during this time, to include training for designated casino employees and security staff and HelpLine promotions and signage at Florida's Seminole tribal casinos.

FCCG's current contract with the Florida Gaming Control Commission started with The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) in 2007 upon receipt of award of the first of three competitive solicitations for compulsive gambling prevention programming, after Florida voters approved slot machine gambling in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in 2004. The FCCG then went on to devise the State of Florida's first-ever responsible gambling training protocol for DBPR-regulated, slot-licensed pari-mutuel facilities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Footage from The Florida Channel used with permission. Source: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/...