Impacts of Illegal Gambling Establishments in Florida
Have you seen news about illegal gambling arcades in your area? As evidenced in reported 888-ADMIT-IT helpline data, the number of Florida help seekers reporting problems from these venues gives continued rise for concern.
Speaking of mental health impacts, the FCCG found that during the most recent 2024/2025 fiscal year, 80% of help seekers gambling on illegal electronic gambling machines at illegal gambling establishments reported depression, almost three quarters reported anxiety (74%), and more than one-third (39%) had considered suicide due to their gambling!
In contrast to the general population of help seekers, the individual impacts and problems experienced amongst illegal gambling machine help seekers seems to be present in much higher percentages. These gamblers tend to be lower income and with limited assets, living on very limited budgets and unable to afford any gambling-related losses. They also appear to be a population who would not participate in electronic gaming machine gambling if they had to travel a distance to a specific gambling location to do so.
Information gathered from the HelpLine during the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, with contacts received from 24 different Florida Counties, indicates:
A higher percentage (44%) of illegal slots gamblers are female (compared to 22% female amongst all other types of gamblers);
Almost one-third (32%) are age 55 or older;
38% reported having problems at work or school as a result of their gambling;
Average lifetime gambling-related losses reported amongst illegal slot gamblers was over one hundred thousand dollars ($126,051);
60% reported gambling-related debts this year, with the average amount of money owed to banks/credit cards/non-traditional loans/family members/friends/or others ($21,246) equaling almost half (41%) of their average annual incomes ($52,421);
88% had gambled away their savings or retirement funds, 58% could not pay household bills, and 50% had sold or pawned personal assets to obtain money to continue gambling;
More than one-quarter (27%) reported their housing status as either homeless, or staying with a friend or family member;
35% reported experiencing legal consequences, and 17% reported committing illegal acts* due to their gambling problem;
80% reported depression and almost ¾ reported anxiety (74%) related to their gambling;
More than one-third of illegal gambling machine gamblers last year (39%) had considered suicide due to their gambling.
The Counties generating the most contacts to the HelpLine from illegal gambling machine help seekers during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, were Lee (11%), Miami-Dade (10%), and Sarasota (10%).
*When referencing committing illegal acts to gamble, please note this does not mean crime typically linked to the gambling location, but rather crimes committed by those who become addicted to the machines and commit illegal acts to obtain money to feed their addiction.
Help and Hope are Available: 888-ADMIT-IT
Gambling addiction can affect anyone, but acknowledging the issue is a powerful first step toward reclaiming control and restoring balance in your life.
There is no shame in seeking support. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is available 24/7 to provide free, confidential assistance to Florida residents impacted by problem gambling. Whether you’re struggling yourself or concerned about someone else, call or text 888-ADMIT-IT to speak with a HelpLine Specialist who can guide you toward resources, treatment options, and hope for recovery.
Almost one-third (32%) are age 55 or older;
38% reported having problems at work or school as a result of their gambling;
Average lifetime gambling-related losses reported amongst illegal slot gamblers was over one hundred thousand dollars ($126,051);
60% reported gambling-related debts this year, with the average amount of money owed to banks/credit cards/non-traditional loans/family members/friends/or others ($21,246) equaling almost half (41%) of their average annual incomes ($52,421);
88% had gambled away their savings or retirement funds, 58% could not pay household bills, and 50% had sold or pawned personal assets to obtain money to continue gambling;
More than one-quarter (27%) reported their housing status as either homeless, or staying with a friend or family member;
35% reported experiencing legal consequences, and 17% reported committing illegal acts* due to their gambling problem;
80% reported depression and almost ¾ reported anxiety (74%) related to their gambling;
More than one-third of illegal gambling machine gamblers last year (39%) had considered suicide due to their gambling.
The Counties generating the most contacts to the HelpLine from illegal gambling machine help seekers during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, were Lee (11%), Miami-Dade (10%), and Sarasota (10%).
*When referencing committing illegal acts to gamble, please note this does not mean crime typically linked to the gambling location, but rather crimes committed by those who become addicted to the machines and commit illegal acts to obtain money to feed their addiction.
Help and Hope are Available: 888-ADMIT-IT
Gambling addiction can affect anyone, but acknowledging the issue is a powerful first step toward reclaiming control and restoring balance in your life.
There is no shame in seeking support. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is available 24/7 to provide free, confidential assistance to Florida residents impacted by problem gambling. Whether you’re struggling yourself or concerned about someone else, call or text 888-ADMIT-IT to speak with a HelpLine Specialist who can guide you toward resources, treatment options, and hope for recovery.
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