Gambling Helpline Transfer Sparks Controversy in Florida
Florida selects Kindbridge as operator for state gambling hotline service.
Last week, Florida made headlines with a shift in its gambling helpline management, as the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) announced their plans to place the helpline under the care of the Kindbridge Research Institute.
Kindbridge Research Institute Takes the Reins
The Kindbridge Research Institute is a non-profit organization committed to tackling addictive behaviors and disorders, also promoting research advancement in the field. Their primary role will be managing the toll-free gambling helpline.
In addition to helpline management, the Kindbridge Research Institute will offer training services to employees of venues equipped with slot machines. The training aims to help them identify early signs of addiction and provide timely intervention when consumers exhibit concerning behaviors.
Prior to the Kindbridge Research Institute, the florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) oversaw the helpline, but negotiations for a renewed contract beyond its 2024 expiration date reached an impasse between the FGCC and the FCCG.
Financial Woes and Declined Contract
FCCG Executive Director Jennifer Kruse cited financial difficulties as the primary reason for the non-profit's decision to withdraw from the helpline. With an understaffed team and limited funding, Kruse shared her concerns, stating, "We have less staff. We aren't able to fill vacant positions. We aren't able to provide hard copy literature because we don't have the budget to reproduce some of that stuff."
However, conflicting reports emerged regarding the contract offer. Ross Marshman, the Acting Executive Director of the FGCC, claimed to have extended a renewed contract to the FCCG, which was declined and subsequently led to the contract lapsing on July 1, 2024. However, the FCCG disputed this account and asserted that the offer was a "take-it-or-leave-it" deal without room for negotiation on an acceptable renewal contract.
The issue centered around the FGCC's new reporting requirements for the FCCG's operations, which the FCCG claimed would have been unfeasible due to their small staff and the onerous nature of the requirements.
Image credit: Unsplash.com
[1] Source for Florida's gambling regulations[2] Source for the Seminole Tribe's online gaming monopoly[3] Source for maintaining ethical standards in the Florida Gaming Control Commission
- The Kindridge Research Institute, which specializes in addressing addictive behaviors and promoting research in the field, will renew the gambling helpline management in Florida every Wednesday, starting from the lapse of the previous contract on July 1, 2024.
- Despite the financial difficulties faced by the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, they declined the renewed contract offer from the Florida Gaming Control Commission due to demanding reporting requirements that weren't feasible for their small staff.
- As part of their new role, the Kindbridge Research Institute will offer training to employees of Florida casinos and gambling venues, focusing on identifying early signs of gambling addiction and providing timely intervention.
