Florida Reports Increased Calls for Problem Gambling

Florida is a state to enjoy the benefits of both regulated online sports betting and brick-and-mortar casinos. Yet, with the expansion of sports gambling, as spearheaded by Hard Rock Bet, there is at least one reason for concern.

Florida Problem Gambling Concerns Mount, as Experts Weigh In

According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, there was a 50% increase in the calls seeking assistance last year. Dr. Rob Rotunda, who teaches psychology at the University of West Florida, and who has been studying gambling problems since 2012, has noted how gambling has evolved.

His comments align with a similar opinion held by a recent Harvard panel that has similarly accentuated that gambling has become more accessible, and pervasive. Talking to a media outlet, Dr. Rotunda said: “I think there’s more access nowadays, given the online environment.”

The Lancet Public Health Journal has already called for public global action against gambling with the ills associated with the activity not restricted to the illegal gambling sector, but now pronouncedly emanating from the regulated gambling market which is driving the numbers of people experiencing some form of gambling-related harm.

Gambling-related harm can lead to a variety of issues, from financial distress to starker consequences, such as people spiralling into debt, falling out of employment and alienating family and friends.

Clinical supervisor of Road to Recovery at Lakeview Amanda Fayard has similarly echoed this concern, arguing that gambling is much more accessible and available at the click of a button.

Problem Gambling by the Numbers

As commonly cited when talking about gambling addiction in the United States, the figure provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling, which puts 2.5 million Americans as suffering from several gambling addictions is only amplified by the fact there are an additional 5 to 8 million people to be suffering from varying degrees of the disease.

Fayard also cautions that young people and children must be further protected, as internalizing gambling as a hobby early in one’s age could lead to worse addictive behavior later in adult life. Emerging adults are particularly at risk according to another study.

All of this coincides with the fact that Florida’s helpline hosted by the Council has now stopped receiving funding. The Council explained that 63,000 people called Hard Rock Bet launched in 2023, but underfunded and struggling to keep up, the future of its operation is now unclear.

The helpline is processing 170 requests for help in the form of live chat, emails and calls every single day.