SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – It’s considered a problem for a small percentage of the population in Illinois, but it’s also something a lot of people reported doing.
The Illinois Department of Human Services has completed a first-ever statewide assessment of gambling — who does it, what services are available for problem gamblers, and attitudes about gambling.
The report found that 68 percent of adults in Illinois reported gambling in the past year — most often through buying lottery tickets, but sports betting and video gaming terminal use showed growth.
3.8% of those surveyed are considered to have a gambling problem, while nearly eight percent more are at risk for developing a problem.
The report says 245 clinicians over the past two years have been trained to provide gambling addiction services in Illinois, and 21 gambling treatment programs have outpatient services available.
The survey coincides with a state website to address gambling addiction called “We Know the Feeling.”
CLICK HERE to read the full report.
