A New Day for Florida's Gambling Helpline
State intends to appoint Kindbridge as operator of Florida's gambling helpline
It seems that Florida's gambling hotline (1-888-ADMIT-IT) is about to see some changes, with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) recently announcing on its website that the helpline will be run by the Kindbridge Research Institute starting soon.
The Kindbridge Research Institute, a non-profit dedicated to researching addictive behaviors and offering solutions, will take over from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, who previously managed the helpline.
The transition comes after a disagreement between the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) and the FGCC over the renewal of the contract. FCCG's Executive Director, Jennifer Kruse, cited financial reasons due to the unremitted contract and understaffing as the reasons for their withdrawal from negotiations [1][2].
The new helpline operator will also provide training for employees of venues with slot machines, teaching them how to spot signs of addiction and intervene early. They will also assist in cases where consumers exhibit clear symptoms of gambling addiction [1].
While the Kindbridge Research Institute focuses primarily on research and advisory services, its sister organization, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, delivers clinical services and implements cutting-edge research on addiction and problem gambling into treatment programs [2].
A separate report by Casino Reports suggests that the FGCC did offer a renewed contract to the FCCG, but it was declined. However, the FCCG disputes this claim, stating that the FGCC offered a non-negotiable contract, without any room for discussion or acceptable changes [3].
The crux of the issue seems to revolve around the reporting conditions demanded by the FGCC, which the FCCG argues would have been impossible to implement due to their small staff and onerous requirements [3].
In conclusion, Florida's gambling helpline is set to undergo a shift in management, with the Kindbridge Research Institute stepping in to fill the role. The change comes after a disagreement over a renewal contract between the FGCC and the previous operator, the FCCG.
[1] https://www.winknews.com/2023/02/23/state-gambling-helpline-to-be-run-by-new-organization/[2] https://www.floridagaming.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Helpline-Transition-Press-Release.pdf[3] https://www.casinoreports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Letter-to-House-State-Administration-Budget-Subcommittee-from-FCCG-VM-13th-Reg-Session-on-Contract-Dispute-with-FGCC-03-27-23.pdf
- The Kindbridge Research Institute, in taking over Florida's gambling helpline, will not only provide training for employees of slot machine venues to recognize signs of addiction but also offer assistance to consumers showing symptoms of casino-and-gambling addiction.
- The transition of Florida's gambling helpline management from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling to the Kindbridge Research Institute has been a consequence of a dispute over the renewal of the contract, with the Florida Gaming Control Commission offering a non-negotiable contract to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling.
