The gambling landscape in Florida

From blackjack to roulette to horse betting and more, gambling in Florida is a large business. However, the range of available gambling options also introduces the potential for addiction. This raises a critical question: How is Florida tackling the issue of gambling addiction, and what measures are in place to ensure responsible gambling practices are followed?  

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a serious and often hidden condition that affects many individuals and their families. Recognizing and addressing this issue is important for mitigating its potentially devastating effects on personal and family well-being. 

Gambling addiction definition & symptoms

Gambling addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite the negative consequences it may have on a person's life. Unlike casual gambling for entertainment, gambling addiction can lead to financial, personal, and emotional distress. Symptoms of gambling addiction include:

• A preoccupation with gambling activities.

• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.

• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.

• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to decrease or stop gambling.

• Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.

• Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble.

• Lying to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.

• Jeopardizing or losing significant relationships, jobs, or educational or career opportunities because of gambling.

• Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

The psychology of gambling addiction

The psychology behind gambling addiction involves many factors, including the brain's reward system, learned behaviors, and psychological needs. Similar to drugs and alcohol, gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system which can lead to addiction. 

Factors such as the illusion of control, the lure of the jackpot, and the excitement of risk-taking play significant roles. Additionally, gambling may be a way for some individuals to escape from their problems or to cope with mental health issues.

The impact of gambling addiction on individuals and families

Gambling addiction can lead to severe emotional disturbances, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The strain on relationships can be immense, leading to divorce, estrangement, and loss of trust among family members. 

Children of gambling addicts may suffer from neglect, emotional distress, and the adoption of similar addictive behaviors. Furthermore, the stigma associated with gambling addiction often prevents individuals and families from seeking the help they need, encouraging  a cycle of addiction.

Gambling and Sports Betting in Florida

While gambling in Florida provides entertainment and economic benefits, it does not come without its challenges. The state’s relationship with gambling involves various stakeholders including operators, legislators, and the community. Sports Betting can be found in Florida through Hard Rock Bet, the state's only regulated sportsbook.

Florida offers a wide range of gambling activities, appealing to residents and tourists. The most popular forms of legal gambling include:

• Pari-Mutuel Betting: Fans can place wagers on horse racing and jai-alai events, both live and via intertrack, at authorized racetracks and jai-alai frontons.

• Casino Gaming: A selection of Indian tribal lands in Florida offers casino gambling, where visitors can enjoy slots, table games, and more.

• State Lottery: The Florida Lottery is a popular option, with a range of games including scratch-offs and national draws like Powerball.

• Cardrooms: Licensed venues host games of skill and chance, such as poker and dominoes, with stakes.

• Penny-Ante Games: Small-stakes home games of poker, pinochle, bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, and mah-jongg fall under this category, emphasizing social play over significant financial risk.

• Slot Machines: Beyond casinos, slot machine gaming is a favored form of gambling for many Floridians.

• Bingo and Other Draws: Bingo halls, along with sweepstakes and chance drawings, offer more opportunities for legal betting within the state.

Gambling addiction rates in Florida

Following the legalization of online sports betting in December 2023, the incidence of gambling-related issues in Florida has seen a significant rise. The state's Problem Gambling Helpline has reported an alarming increase, with the number of calls more than doubling. 

According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, an estimated 210,000 adults in Florida are living with a diagnosable gambling disorder. Furthermore, nearly 820,000 individuals, constituting almost 4% of the state's total population, are categorized as at-risk for developing gambling-related problems. 

Treatment and Recovery Options

For those struggling with gambling addiction, Florida offers a range of treatment and recovery options designed to cater to individual needs and circumstances. These resources provide hope and support not just for the individuals affected but also for their families and loved ones. If individuals are looking for help with gambling addiction or a problem with sports betting for themselves or loved ones like a spouse, speaking with a licensed clinical provider like a Birches Health counselor can be a good option. Assessments for gambling addiction are free, private and often covered by your insurance or state funding.

Available treatment options for gambling addiction in Florida

Florida provides a variety of treatment options for individuals dealing with gambling addiction. These include:

• Inpatient and Outpatient Programs: Tailored to meet the severity of the addiction, offering therapy, counseling, and support groups.

• Counseling Services: Individual, group, and family counseling that addresses the root causes of addiction and helps develop coping strategies.

• Self-help and Support Groups: Organizations like Gamblers Anonymous offer peer support and recovery programs based on a 12-step approach.

Click here to book an appointment with Birches Health, or simply call 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com.

Resources for family members and loved ones affected by gambling addiction

Family members and loved ones play a pivotal role in the recovery process and can also find themselves in need of support. Resources available in Florida include:

• Family Therapy: Helps families understand the dynamics of addiction and work through the challenges together.

• Support Groups for Families: Groups provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

• Educational Resources: Workshops and seminars designed to educate families on the nature of gambling addiction and effective intervention strategies.

If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, help is available. Reach out today to take the first step towards recovery. Call 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com