Don’t Let Gambling Call the Plays
“Football brings excitement and fun to our state and communities, and for some, the thrill of placing a wager,” said FGCC Chair Julie Brown, who is also the mother of a Division 1 football player. “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.”
With students at all 12 state universities in Florida now back on campus for the fall semester, the FGCC is encouraging students to make smart choices if they choose to place a wager.
“As another competitive college football season begins, we are thrilled to welcome students, alumni, and fans from around the state to cheer on their favorite Florida teams,” said State University System of Florida Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “While attending football games and other fall sports matches are an important part of the student experience, we encourage students to be responsible with sports gambling. If a student feels they are struggling with gambling, or notices a friend struggling, we urge them to seek help before it becomes a crisis.”
It is vital for those struggling with compulsive gambling to know when and where to find help. Florida offers a free, confidential compulsive gambling helpline at 1-833-PLAYWISE (1-833-752-9947).
Max, a college senior, sought counseling after sports betting had begun taking up too much of his time and creating serious financial and personal stress. He had started using his parents’ credit card to place bets, leading to conflict and increased anxiety while also affecting his grades. Through treatment, Max was able to establish healthier boundaries around sports betting, address his financial stress and anxiety, and regain control. As those pressures eased, he saw improvements in his academic performance and his personal relationships.
One of the most significant gambling scandals in college football history involved Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. He saw his once‑promising college football career collapse under the weight of an illegal gambling scandal. Investigators found that he had placed thousands of online bets, totaling more than $90,000, including wagers on his own team during his earlier stint at Indiana—an egregious violation of NCAA rules. His case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences student-athletes face when betting on collegiate sports.
The state of Florida legalized online sports betting through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet platform in 2023. Hard Rock Bet is the only legal sportsbook operating in Florida, and participants must be at least 21 years old.
Responsible Betting Tips
- Set a budget and stick to it: Decide how much you can afford to lose before placing bets.
- Use built-in tools: Hard Rock Bet provides features like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and activity tracking to help bettors stay in control.
- Recognize the signs of problem gambling: If betting is causing distress or impacting daily life, seek help immediately. Florida’s Playwise helpline provides free, confidential support at 1‑833‑PLAYWISE (1‑833‑752‑9947) or Playwise.org.
Information on the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC)
The Florida Gaming Control Commission is a five-member regulatory body that regulates legal gambling and enforces the prohibition on illegal gambling in Florida. For more information about the Florida Gaming Control Commission, visit www.flgaming.gov.
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