Florida selects Kindbridge as operator for state gambling helpline
It's Looking Like a Change in Florida's Gambling Helpline Operator
The Florida Gaming Control Commission might be transitioning the responsibilities of its gambling hotline to the Kindbridge Research Institute
In a recent development, it seems that the Sunshine State could see a change in the operator for its gambling helpline, according to an article by Fox 29 on March 26.
A Potential Shift for Florida's Helpline Operator
After reviewing relevant documentation, Fox 29 discovered that the Kindbridge Research Institute, a nonprofit organization specializing in solutions and research for addictive behaviors and disorders, will take charge of the toll-free helpline.
The new operator also plans to offer training programs for employees at gambling venues, teaching them to recognize indicators of addiction and act promptly. Besides, the provider will intervene in situations where consumers appear to be exhibiting signs of problematic gambling behavior.
Until recently, the helpline was managed by the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, but renewal negotiations for the contract beyond its 2024 expiration date stalled.
Parting Ways: The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling
According to Jennifer Kruse, the council's Executive Director, the primary reasons for the nonprofit's departure from the helpline operations were financial difficulties stemming from the lack of a renewed contract with the state and understaffing issues.1
"We've been left short-staffed. We can't fill vacancies. We can't provide physical literature because we don't have enough funds to reproduce it," Kruse stated to Fox 29.
While the Kindbridge Research Institute focuses on research and advisory services, its sister organization Kindbridge Behavioral Health delivers clinical services and translates research on addiction and gambling issues into effective treatment programs.
Unresolved Disputes: The Florida Gaming Control Commission
In a separate report by Casino Reports, Ross Marshman, the Florida Gaming Control Commission's Acting Executive Director, stated that a renewed contract was indeed offered to the Council, but it was rejected, leading to the contract expiring on July 1, 2024.
However, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling disputed this account, stating that they had in fact declined the contract offer provided by the Florida Gaming Control Commission. A lawyer writing on behalf of the council explained that legislators during a hearing were told of a "take-it-or-leave-it" deal without any opportunity to negotiate an acceptable renewal contract.2
The disagreement centers around the new reporting requirements proposed by the Florida Gaming Control Commission, with Jennifer Kruse arguing that these conditions would have been overwhelming for the council's small staff and would have been impossible to implement.
Image credit: Unsplash.com
[1] Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Council_on_Compulsive_Gambling
[2] Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Official Website, https://www.flcouncil.org/
- The Kindbridge Research Institute, a nonprofit organization specializing in solutions and research for addictive behaviors and disorders, will take over the responsibilities of Florida's gambling helpline, as discussed in a report by Fox 29 on March 26.
- The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, the previous operator of the helpline, alleges that a contract renewal was not offered by the Florida Gaming Control Commission, leading to the council's departure from helpline operations.
- Under the new operator, training programs for employees at gambling venues will be offered, teaching them to recognize indicators of addiction and act promptly, starting from Wednesday.
