Phillip Lee Sullivan spent his days helping people fight gambling addiction. Now the former director of Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT helpline is headed to prison after pleading no contest in a $1.4 million theft case tied to his own gambling habit.
Sullivan, 43, was sentenced on Oct. 16 to 118.5 months — nearly 10 years — in state prison. Sullivan pleaded no contest to six felony grand theft charges. A no-contest plea means he accepted punishment without formally admitting guilt.
Investigators said Sullivan took the money over 11 months while working as chief financial officer for Royal American, a Panama City Beach real estate company. Company records showed he used business credit cards to buy online gift cards and cash cards, then tried to hide the purchases, according to local station WMBB.
While the criminal case was pending, Sullivan became the helpline’s director in March 2025. In a podcast interview, he said his bets grew from $25 to as much as $50,000 and that he lost more than $2 million. He also said he helped more than 460 callers seeking support.
His family told the court prescription Adderall changed his behavior and worsened his gambling. Prosecutors said the theft was planned. Medical proof connecting the medicine to the crime was not presented, according to Addiction Center. The case comes as helpline calls have risen after legal sports betting. Experts say treatment and peer support can help people recover with care, early action and strong support.
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