In the two years from 2023, Florida’s problem gambling helpline saw a 138% surge in calls from people concerned about their gambling habits.
That’s the same year Florida’s legal online sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, launched, after Tallahassee legalized internet sports betting in 2021.
The DSM-5 says someone suffers from problem gambling if they exhibit at least four of the following nine symptoms within the previous 12 months:
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Gambles increasing amounts of money to get the same rush
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Gets restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
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Has made multiple unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
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Often thinks about gambling — be it remembering past bets, fantasizing about future ones, or planning when and…