Florida Pushes Responsible Gambling Ahead of Football Season

The Seminole State is providing an important reminder for bettors as the football betting season kicks off.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission launched a Don’t Let Gambling Call Plays campaign that is spreading the word on the dangers of problem gambling. It reminds bettors to set and stick to a budget and avoid chasing losses.

While the message is for all of Florida’s sports betting market, it puts extra emphasis on college students and their families. 

“Football brings excitement and fun to our state and communities, and for some, the thrill of placing a wager,” FGCC Chair Julie Brown said in a press release. “For young college students, it is the first time they have managed a personal budget, and we hear about many who bet beyond their resources. We encourage everyone to play responsibly if they choose to gamble.”

The release referenced the Brendan Sorsby scandal as an example of how young bettors can succumb to addiction, and the disastrous consequences that follow. However, it also shared a success story of a young bettor who shook his bad habits through treatment. 

The campaign also promotes the state’s free, confidential compulsive gambling helpline, 1-833-PLAYWISE.

Campaign Has a Glaring Absence

In the FGCC’s press release, it mentions that Hard Rock Bet is the only legal platform for sports betting, and all residents must be 21+. While this is true for the state’s regulated industry, it doesn’t apply to sports prediction markets.

These platforms allow players to engage in sports markets starting at 18. That means that starting in their senior year of high school, students will have easy, legal access to wager on sports. By leaving this off, the regulator risks families being unaware of the offering, leaving their children to struggle alone.

Fortunately, Industry-leading Kalshi has ramped up its efforts to crack down on problem gambling. It has made massive investments and formed partnerships with reputable responsible gambling groups. 

This should help protect some young bettors, but only if residents are aware and educated on the emerging industry.