- Casino
- By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- By State
- Slots
- Poker
- Sports
- Esports
Fact-checked by Stoyan Todorov
Florida Reports Increased Calls for Problem Gambling
A debate is raging across the United States with an increasing number of non-for-profit organizations reporting an influx of people seeking help because of their gambling habits

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.
Related Topics:
Although Fiona doesn't have a long-spanning background within the gambling industry, she is an incredibly skilled journalist who has built a strong interest in the constantly growing iGaming network. The team at Gambling News is glad to have her on our roster to help deliver the best stories as soon as they hit. Aside from writing, she loves to dabble in online casino games such as slots and roulette, both for her own enjoyment and also as research to better improve her understanding of the industry.
Must Read
Industry
February 13, 2025
Trump Nominates Kalshi Board Member Brian Quintenz as CFTC Chair
Industry
February 14, 2025
Casino General Managers in Las Vegas Closer to Licensing Approval
Industry
February 13, 2025
Nine Operators Get Cease-and-Desist Orders in Michigan
More Articles
Sports
February 19, 2025
All You Need to Know About Power Slap 12 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Industry
February 19, 2025
Nevada Bill Aims to Stop Fake Ghost Kitchens on Food Delivery Apps
Sports
February 19, 2025
Israeli Soccer League Hit by Big Match-Fixing Scandal
Casino
February 18, 2025
Sault Tribe Casinos Still Recovering from Hacker Attack
Business
February 18, 2025
Light & Wonder to Acquire Grover Charitable Gaming in a $850M Deal
Industry
February 18, 2025
Campaign Encourages South Australians to Act Early on Gambling Harm
Industry
February 18, 2025
Indiana’s iGaming Efforts Stall as HB 1432 Fails to Make Progress
Industry
February 18, 2025
Betting Expansion Fuels Rise in Gambling Addiction Searches
Industry
February 17, 2025
Coinbase CEO: Prediction Markets Are a Better Source of Truth
Industry
February 17, 2025
Belgium Enjoys Success in Making Gamblers More Responsible
Industry
February 17, 2025
New Jersey iGaming Expanded, Sports Betting Slowed Down in January
Sports
February 17, 2025
Digital Betting Is Fueling a Global Public Health Crisis