The Illinois Department of Human Services announced the launnch of a year-long study of gambling and gambling addiction along with support service needs in Illinois. Results will be uused by the IDHS for future ways to prevent problem gambling. The study is a half a million dollar program that is funded from revenue by the state’s gambling tax and allocated funds from the 2021 budget.
IDHS Spokesperson Patrick Laughlin says that the program will study the results carefully.
Laughlin says they will also look for what areas they can address with gambling addiction.
The Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery at IDHS launched the study after legislation asked for expanded access to gaming across the state. With gambling being easier to access, IDHS wants solutions to prevent gambling addiction.
A team of researchers from IDHS and Health Resources in Action will look at the extent of problem gambling across the state and will explore risk factors for what develops into a gambling problem. Researchers will also look at barriers residents may face in getting treatment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, please visit www.weknowthefeeling.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. You can also text “ILGamb” to 53342.
