Florida Reports 88% Rise in Gambling Helpline Calls

Increase in Helpline Calls

According to data from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, 2024 has already recorded 61,000 calls to the state helpline. This marks an 88% increase compared to the 34,000 calls logged in 2023. The Council attributes much of this rise to the broader availability of legal sports betting options, particularly mobile apps that make gambling more accessible and constant.

Since Hard Rock Bet became fully operational for Florida residents of legal gambling age, usage has grown rapidly. The convenience of regulated apps has drawn users away from offshore platforms but also raised concerns about the ease of placing bets.

Treatment Experts Highlight Recovery Challenges

Forrest Arthur, CEO of Resurgence Tampa Bay, emphasized how the rise of mobile betting creates new challenges for people struggling with gambling addiction. “Because of the ability to carry a betting app with one’s phone, a person looking to recover will really struggle,” he explained.

The timing may further intensify the issue. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling expects helpline numbers to climb even higher due to the ongoing March Madness season, during which an estimated $3.1 billion may be legally wagered nationwide on college basketball games.

Preventive Measures and Regulatory Focus

Arthur cautioned that despite the relative safety of regulated markets, those who are unsure about their relationship with gambling should avoid it entirely. “This is the best way to avoid experiencing gambling-related harm or developing a gambling problem,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Florida continues to crack down on illegal gambling operations. State regulators and lawmakers have taken a firm stance, calling for harsher penalties for unlicensed gambling businesses and ramping up efforts to shut down unauthorized operators. The focus remains on protecting consumers while ensuring that the growth of legal gambling does not come at the cost of public health.