Illinois Senate Backs Bill to Label Gambling as Addiction

Illinois lawmakers are working hard to give problem gambling the same level of attention and treatment resources as addictions triggered by drug and alcohol abuse. 

A new bill aims to officially recognize compulsive gambling as a substance abuse disorder under state law. The critical move could unlock more funding and support for those struggling.

Escalating “From a Fun Pastime to a Serious Issue”

If passed, Senate Bill 118 would also enable the state to issue grants to local organizations offering help on the ground.

“Gambling releases dopamine and can quickly escalate from a fun pastime to a serious issue,” explained State Senator Julie Morrison (D–Lake Forest), who is also sponsoring the bill. 

“By recognizing gambling disorder as a health condition, we are breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery,” Morrison added. 

In the legislative declaration of the act, substance use and gambling disorders are described as a “serious public health problem” with “effects on public safety and the criminal justice system” that can cause “serious social economic losses, as well as great human suffering.”

If passed, the bill that requires a “comprehensive and coordinated strategy under the leadership of a State agency” would allow the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to develop programs specifically for gambling-related issues.

The programs would be aimed at prevention, early intervention, as well as treatment schemes and recovery support. 

It would also enable the state to issue grants to local organizations offering help on the ground.

The Snowball Effect

The need for support is real. A 2021 statewide survey by IDHS found that nearly 4% of adults in Illinois had experienced gambling problems. 

Another 7.7% were considered at risk of developing an addiction. However, the numbers have most likely grown alongside the rise of sports betting and online gambling.

“When gambling gets out of hand, it can have a snowball effect on a person’s life,” Morrison further argued. 

He also emphasized the importance of having “a system of care” in place that can back individuals “without judgment as they recover.”

Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, gambling issues often go unseen until they’ve already caused serious financial or emotional damage. 

Advocates say reclassifying it as a substance use disorder would help normalize treatment and reduce the stigma that keeps people from asking for help.

The bill passed the Illinois Senate last week with unanimous support, a rare show of bipartisan agreement. It will now move to the House for consideration.

Last month, state lawmakers were pondering the idea of giving online casinos the green light as a means of drawing in additional funding to the state’s treasury, with emphasis on State Rep. Edgar Gonzales’ fresh bill.