Florida to Appoint Kindbridge as Operator for State Gambling Hotline

Florida appears to have chosen a new supplier for its gambling hotline. According to a report by Fox 29 on Wednesday, March 26, the Florida Gaming Control Commission shared documentation on its website last week.

The outlet investigated the documents available and discovered that the Kindbridge Research Institute will manage the toll-free helpline. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating impactful solutions for addictive behaviors and disorders and advancing research in this field. Additionally, the new state operator aims to provide training services for employees at venues with slot machines. These sessions will help staff recognize signs of addiction and intervene early when consumers exhibit such behaviors. Previously, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling managed the helpline, but due to a disagreement over contract renewal past its 2024 expiration, they are stepping down. Jennifer Kruse, the Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, mentioned that financial issues and the regulator's unwillingness to negotiate led to their decision not to pursue a new contract. She highlighted that the organization is understaffed and lacks the funding to continue, partly due to the absence of a renewed contract with the state. Kruse explained, We have fewer staff members. We can't fill vacant positions or provide printed materials because our budget doesn't allow for reproduction, as reported by Fox 29. Meanwhile, the Kindbridge Research Institute is focused on advancing research and offering advisory services. Its counterpart, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, is tasked with delivering clinical services and applying the latest research on addiction and problem gambling to its treatment programs.

According to a report by Casino Reports, Ross Marshman, the Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, proposed a renewed contract to the Council, which the Council rejected. As a result, the contract expired on July 1, 2024, leading to financial challenges for the Council in maintaining its services. Contrarily, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling claimed this was incorrect, asserting they declined the contract offer due to its terms. A lawyer representing the Council communicated to lawmakers that the offer was a take-it-or-leave-it deal without room for negotiating an acceptable renewal. The core issue revolved around the reporting requirements the regulator imposed. Kruse argued that these new demands were impractical for the Council's small staff and excessively burdensome.