HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) —Since the launch of sports betting, Florida’s gambling helpline is experiencing a dramatic increase in calls from gamblers needing help.

Officials said calls have more than doubled since sports betting became legal in December.

“We’re struggling and there’s no doubt, trying to keep up is an effort,” said Richard Pinsky with the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling.

Pinsky said they’re struggling to keep up with the amount of calls flooding the 24/7 gambling help line. The non-profit contracted by the state has seen a 138% increase in the number of calls and text messages since sports betting launched 45 days ago in December.

“We’re scrambling, we’re trying to add folks,” said Pinsky.

Betting on the Super Bowl was brisk at sportsbooks in big U.S. markets

“I’ve seen this take everything from people, their homes, their families, everything they have,” said Forrest Arthur, CEO of Resurgence Tampa Bay, an addiction treatment facility.

Arthur said he is also seeing an increase in calls due to the increased accessibility.

“They essentially walk around with their drug of choice in their back pocket, able to gamble whenever they wish to. It makes it very very difficult to deal with the compulsion for the people who are struggling with this problem,” said Arthur.

Currently, the Seminole Tribe is the only company permitted to do sports betting in Florida.

When asked about the increase in calls to the gaming hotline, the Seminole Tribe sent the following statement:

“Hard Rock Bet is committed to player safety and responsible gambling. In addition to providing responsible gambling tools in Hard Rock Bet products, the Seminole Tribe contributes annually as the largest funder of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, with funding of over $24 million during decades of support, and constant promotion of the 1-888-ADMIT-IT helpline.  We look forward to working with the FCCG to continuously identity and provide resources to those who need help.”

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Those who treat addiction, like Arthur, said he is not surprised, rather he is disappointed, and stressed that there is help out there for people strugging.

“Reach out for help, don’t try to do it on your own and don’t think of it as a failing or a weakness. This is a very human, understandable problem,” said Arthur.

For resources, visit gamblinghelp.org or call or text 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848).

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