STATEWIDE GAMBLING AND PROBLEM GAMBLING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Commissioned by IDHS and conducted by researchers at Health Resources in Action (HRIA), the assessment reports on the prevalence of different types of gambling in the state, the availability of treatment and other services, the prevalence of problem gambling among different groups, and overall attitudes about gambling.
IDHS is committed to expanding services and continuing to raise awareness about recovery options available through the website AreYouReallyWinning.com, 1-800-GAMBLER, or by texting “GAMB” to 833234.
Overall, the study found that 68% of adult Illinoisans reported gambling in the past year, with the State lottery being the most popular form. Following legalization and expansion, gambling at video gaming terminals and online sports betting showed significant growth over time.
While most adults engage in responsible gambling behaviors, some experience significant impact on their economic, social, and mental well-being, developing problem gambling and gambling disorder.
Statewide, the assessment found:
- 3.8% of adult Illinoisans — approximately 383,000 people — are considered to have a gambling problem
- An additional 7.7% — approximately 761,000 people — are at risk for developing a gambling problem
As the number of individuals in need of gambling treatment services continues to rise, IDHS has made significant investments in gambling services, including $10 million budgeted for State Fiscal Year 23.
The assessment was ordered in response to legislation that expanded access to gambling across the state. The 250-page report includes 10 recommended strategies the State and partners can take to address problem gambling amidst this expansion. These include providing consistent funding toward problem gambling prevention and services, increasing awareness about problem gambling and its symptoms, and improving access to holistic treatment for problem gambling.
IDHS continues to work with gambling providers to expand outreach and awareness of the problems that gambling can cause, and to connect impacted people with the services that support recovery. IDHS, through SUPR, has funded 26 gambling treatment programs through SFY22. Twenty-one of them provide outpatient treatment and outreach services to the communities they serve.
SUPR has also helped providers prepare for an increase in problem gamblers in need of treatment. In State Fiscal Year 2021, 13,037 assessments were conducted by treatment providers, representing a 440% increase over the previous year. The significant growth was followed by a 185% increase over the previous year in the number of individuals receiving gambling treatment.
Over the past two years, over 245 clinicians have been trained to provide gambling disorder treatment services in Illinois. This year, SUPR will provide monthly webinars focused on gambling disorder, a two-day Summit on Problem Gambling, as well as offer new opportunities for participation in the 30-hour Gambling Counselor Training.
The State of Illinois provides various intervention, treatment, and recovery resources, including the Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline, a telephone and web resource with specialists trained to connect people with treatment and recovery support services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, contact the State’s Gambling Helpline AreYouReallyWinning.com. Call: 1-800-GAMBLER, Text: “GAMB” to 833234
View/download the report:
Chapter 1 – Introduction and Methods
Chapter 2 – Prevalence of Gambling in Illinois
Chapter 3 – Problem Gambling in Illinois
Chapter 4 – Mental Health, Substance Use, and Other Risk and Protective Factors
Chapter 5 – Attitudes and Perceptions of Gambling and Problem Gambling in Illinois
Chapter 6 – Problem Gambling Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in Illinois
Infographics on Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling in Youth and Young Adults
Problem Gambling and Mental Health
Problem Gambling in Older Adults
Problem Gambling in Hispanic/Latinx Communities