Florida Switches Gambling Helpline Provider to Kindbridge Research Institute
Florida chooses Kindbridge to manage state gambling hotline operations
In a potential shakeup, Florida looks set to welcome a new operator for its gambling helpline, following the Florida Gaming Control Commission's decision to part ways with the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FGCP).
According to a report by Fox 29, the new operator set to take over is the Kindbridge Research Institute, a nonprofit organization with a focus on developing solutions for addictive behaviors and advancing research in the field.
The Kindbridge Research Institute, which will manage the toll-free helpline, also plans to offer training services to employees of venues with slot machines. These services will assist in identifying signs of addiction and intervening promptly, as well as addressing cases where consumers exhibit symptoms of the behavior.
The helpline was previously managed by the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. However, both parties failed to reach an agreement on the specifics of renewing the contract past its 2024 expiration date.
Executive Director of the FGCP, Jennifer Kruse, cited financial reasons and the regulator's unwillingness to negotiate as the reasons for the nonprofit's decision to withdraw. Kruse stated that the understaffed and underfunded organization could not continue to operate without the renewed contract, citing the inability to fill vacant positions, produce hard copy literature, and address other financial difficulties.
While the Kindridge Research Institute primarily focuses on research and advisory services, its sister organization, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, delivers clinical services and utilizes cutting-edge research on addiction and problem gambling to treat patients.
Details on Contract Dispute Fuzzy
In a separate report by Casino Reports, it was claimed that the Florida Gaming Control Commission’s Acting Executive Director, Ross Marshman, had indeed offered a renewed contract to the Council but it was turned down, leading to the contract lapsing on July 1, 2024. However, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has countered this claim, stating that they declined the contract offer.
A lawyer representing the Council wrote to lawmakers who heard Marshman testify to the House State Administration Budget Subcommittee, explaining that the organization was presented with a "take-it-or-leave-it" deal without the option to negotiate an acceptable renewal contract. The issue reportedly revolved around the onerous reporting conditions demanded by the regulator, which the Council argued would have been impossible to implement due to its small staff size.
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- Despite the initial offer, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling declined the renewed contract for the gambling helpline, citing unfavorable terms and onerous reporting conditions that would have strained their small staff.
- With the Florida Gaming Control Commission changing the helpline provider from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling to the Kindbridge Research Institute, the new operator will also offer training services to casino employees, focusing on identifying and intervening in signs of addiction related to gambling.
