Published on: October 4, 2024, 08:42h.
Last update on: October 4, 2024, 08:43h.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is seeking a partner to collaborate on a program aimed at preventing compulsive and addictive gambling in Florida.
The FGCC issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) on Wednesday, initiating a competitive process for vendors to provide suggestions on how to effectively reduce gambling-related harms.
They are seeking input on establishing responsible gaming measures that companies in the state’s gaming industry must incorporate into their promotional materials. Additionally, the FGCC aims to launch an educational campaign informing Floridians about their legal gambling options, potential risks, and how to differentiate legal and illegal gambling activities.
Lou Trombetta, executive director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, stated, “With the evolving landscape of legal gaming and sports betting in Florida, as well as the presence of illegal gambling, we acknowledge the need for adaptable solutions and extensive resources in our Compulsive or Addictive Gambling Prevention Program. This process will ensure that innovative and inclusive options are available to Floridians through the selected vendor, enabling the FGCC to provide resources that cater to all demographics.”
The FGCC is a regulatory body with five members overseeing parimutuel wagering, cardrooms, racinos, and jai alai slot facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. They also supervise tribal compacts but do not regulate the Florida Lottery.
Expanding Gambling
The Seminole Tribe holds a monopoly on slot machines and most house-banked table games outside the specified counties where slots are permitted. Through the 2021 Class III gaming compact with Governor Ron DeSantis (R), the tribe gained exclusive rights to both in-person and online sports betting.
The 2021 compact also authorized the introduction of roulette and craps at the Seminole’s six tribal casinos, leading to a broader gambling landscape in Florida.
Julie Brown, vice chair of the FGCC, emphasized, “While many Floridians and visitors enjoy legal gaming and sports betting, it is crucial to offer comprehensive resources and services to those who may impulsively engage in these activities. My colleagues and I are eager to see the outcomes of this initiative and provide advanced resources and scalable services in Florida that will make a significant impact.”
Addressing Challenges
The FGCC’s efforts to develop a program combating compulsive and addictive gambling follow a study that highlighted Florida’s lack of responsible gaming standards.
A recent study by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Vixio Regulatory Intelligence assessed the adherence of legal sports betting states to the NCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Standards. Florida was ranked as one of the states least compliant with responsible gambling practices.
The study found that the 2021 compact with the Seminoles lacks a commitment to responsible gaming. Although the revenue-sharing agreement requires the tribe to make an annual donation of at least $250K towards research, education, and treatment of gambling-related harm, it does not mandate staff training to promote responsible gaming.