Florida launches new gambling helpline, but confusion lingers over provider roles

ORLANDO, Fla. – For the first time in decades, there’s a new resource for people with a gambling problem in Florida.

The Florida Council On Compulsive Gambling did not renew their contract with the Florida Gaming Control Commission in July of 2024, so the commission put out a request for proposal to find a new vendor.

As of July 1, the state contracted Kindbridge Research Institute to run a new helpline for the next three years, with a new phone number.

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But for the first four and a half months of that deal, those in need of help were continually directed to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, via the Hard Rock Bet app. Their number, 888 ADMIT-IT (236-4848), clearly shown on the bottom of the app’s sign in page, and the number is still included in advertisements on TV.

But by the morning of Oct. 25, there was a change. A new number, 833 PLAYWISE (75299473), appeared.

Playwise’s website said the organization is partnered with the Florida Gaming Control Commission and Kindbridge Research Institute. What’s not clear is what specifically that partnership is, since the state is paying Kindbridge, not Playwise.

We’ve asked Kindbridge and Playwise what their relationships are together, and what services for Floridians Playwise is offering from the state of Florida. At this point we have not yet heard back.

We also reached out to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, who says they’re continuing to serve the community, and they’re still getting calls from people looking for help with a gambling addiction.

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Florida launches new gambling helpline, but confusion lingers over provider roles

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