Professional Certification Legal/Judicial Corporate Gaming Industry Community Literature Review School Educator & Counselors        Over the years, the FCCG has consistently made active efforts to work with gambling operators within the State of Florida for purposes of providing increased awareness about problem gambling and outlining the importance of implementing responsible gaming programs. In an effort to address this ongoing need, the FCCG hosted "Meeting of the Minds" forums to convene members of pari-mutuel and floating casino facilities and has held similar discussions with members of the casino industry in Florida. Industry members and the Council discussed issues and approaches relative to problem and compulsive gambling among patrons. As a result of these discussions, the FCCG implemented its "Responsible Gaming Program," and designed and disseminated original and creative literature for use by any facility desiring such materials and/or assisted in the development of site-specific information. Such literature kits include brochures, signs, placards and stickers for prominent placement throughout gaming facilities. The campaign theme, "Gambling Is Not The Problem - Compulsive Gambling Is," highlights myths about gambling, warning signs and characteristics commonly associated with problem gambling and how to access help through the FCCG's 24-hour HelpLine number. Responsible Gaming Program      The purpose of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling's Responsible Gaming Program (RGP) is for gaming operators to acknowledge the importance of problem and compulsive gambling impacts, how they can play a role in educating employees, assist persons in need, and provide mutual benefits to the organization, employee base, clientele and community at large. The RGP consists of four phases, which may be accomplished at one time or by phase over the course of a six-month period. However, review and evaluation requirements are not undertaken until one year following program implementation.      To view industry samples of literature addressing problem and compulsive gambling, and FCCG advertising in gambling facilities click here. To review an article written by John Fontana, General Manager of the Seminole Nation Casinos, see the FCCG's Newsletter, "What's News," Spring 2002 edition.      The FCCG also recognizes the importance for government operated gambling programs to implement in-house and point of sale training and education protocols to increase awareness among employees, licensees and customers about problem gambling issues and support services for the constituency it serves. A "Responsible Play Program", designed by the FCCG and the Florida Lottery, is currently in effect and furnishes employees with professional training opportunities to ensure an understanding of problem gambling issues and impacts, their appropriate role in the program, knowledge about the referral protocol, and how and what to do in the event they encounter various related situations. The FCCG also conducts problem gambling awareness training to Florida Lottery employees and personnel from the manufacturer of lottery machine equipment.      The FCCG was also invited to present before the Caribbean Lotteries in Orlando, Florida to discuss its model lottery program. To view the Florida Department of Lottery components, see, "Implementing Responsible Play Program on Problem Gambling Within Lotteries."      The Lottery's Awareness Program also educates customers, as well as the general population through a variety of outreach approaches and provides beneficial information and support, including the dissemination of the FCCG's 24-hour HelpLine number. Also, to review an article written by David Griffin, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Lottery on the Department's Problem Gambling Awareness Program, see, FCCG Newsletter, "What's News," Spring 2001 edition. Click the following links to view a sample of the Lottery brochure.