According to GamblingNews, Florida is seeing a sharp rise in people calling for help with gambling issues. The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) reports receiving more calls to its helpline, especially since sports betting became legal in the state.
The FCCG has been handling a lot more calls than usual. The spike started after sports betting launched in Florida in 2021. With more people trying out gambling, many are reaching out for support as they face issues with their habits, and experts believe online sports betting plays a big part in the rise of problem gambling.
How sports betting affects gambling habits
Florida’s sports betting market has become one of the largest in the U.S. That has been great for boosting the state’s economy, but has also created some challenges. The rise in calls for help shows that gambling affects more people’s lives, leading to financial and emotional struggles.
Extending help for those in need
In response to the increased demand, the FCCG is working to spread the word about its services. They’re running more awareness campaigns to ensure people know where to go for help. The goal is to catch gambling problems early before they get worse.
The FCCG offers free, confidential support, including a helpline and referrals to treatment programs. The state is also considering boosting funding for prevention and treatment services to help more people in need.
