Since the legalization of sports betting apps in Florida, calls to the state’s gambling addiction hotline have soared, putting immense pressure on resources as the hotline struggles to keep up with demand. With the ease of access provided by these apps, consumers are finding it simpler than ever to place bets, leading to a concerning spike in addiction-related issues.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, the nonprofit organization tasked with overseeing Florida’s addictive gambling prevention program, reported a staggering 138% surge in demand for its services over a mere month, from December to January. Amidst legal challenges and a false start in 2021, this surge in demand aligns with the reinstatement of online betting in Florida on November 7th, 2023, following a period of uncertainty and litigation surrounding the gaming compact.
The expansion of the sports betting industry is largely attributed to a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Since then, 38 states (plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.) have embraced some form of sports betting, with 30 allowing online wagering. Florida joined this trend as the latest state to offer regulated sports betting in the United States last year.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling foresees an approximate increase to 40,000 calls during the current fiscal year, a notable rise from the 26,000 calls recorded in the previous year. Of particular concern is the demographic most impacted by this surge: young adult men comprise the largest group seeking assistance for gambling addiction. Notably, in Florida, sports betting is now legal with a minimum betting age of 21.
The legalization of sports betting in Florida coincided with the opportunity for residents to legally wager on major events like the Super Bowl, further intensifying the situation. The American Gaming Association projected a record-breaking 67.8 million Americans participating in Super Bowl betting activities, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This surge in betting activity translates to an estimated total wager amount of $23.1 billion, substantially higher than previous years.
Jennifer Kruse, the Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, expressed concern over the organization’s ability to meet the escalating demand for its services. Despite their best efforts, the hotline has been inundated with calls, texts, and chats, stretching resources to their limits. Kruse emphasized the unsustainable nature of the current situation, likening the exponential growth in demand to a sudden doubling in business overnight.
Despite the state code mandating an annual funding of $250,000 for programs addressing compulsive gambling, including the hotline, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling claims that it has not received its full allocation of funds and has not experienced an increase in funding since the 2016-17 fiscal year. Additionally, the terms of the contract governing the organization’s operations lack specificity, leaving much to be desired in terms of support and guidelines for addressing the escalating situation.
Eric Carr, Director for External Affairs with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, acknowledged the challenges encountered by the compulsive gambling program, attributing them to the current state laws governing funding allocations. With the contract scheduled to expire in 2024, stakeholders are confronted with the pressing task of reassessing and potentially revising the terms to better address the increasing demand for addiction prevention and support services.
The increase in demand for the Florida Gambling Addiction Hotline highlights the pressing need for comprehensive support and intervention strategies to mitigate the impact of gambling addiction in the wake of legalized sports betting within the state of Florida. Adequate funding, alongside proactive measures to raise awareness and promote responsible gambling practices, is crucial for protecting the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by the rise in gambling-related addictions.
