In a pivotal move, Illinois legislators are advancing a bill (SB118) that seeks to categorize compulsive gambling as a substance abuse disorder, potentially transforming the support system available for individuals battling gambling addiction. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison of Lake Forest, aims to integrate gambling disorder into the Substance Use Disorder Act. According to the Illinois General Assembly – DHS – Gambling Disorders SB0118, this classification would empower the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to develop comprehensive programs targeting the prevention, recognition, and treatment of gambling disorders.

Enhancing public awareness and support systems:

The bill is designed to augment public education concerning gambling disorders. It mandates the development of programs to enhance public awareness about the impact of gambling disorders on individuals, families, and communities, and to combat the stigma associated with these issues. The initiatives would include a variety of strategies such as screening, crisis intervention, treatment, and public awareness campaigns, as well as innovative approaches to decrease the incidence of gambling-related suicide attempts.

Furthermore, the legislation would allow IDHS to provide guidance to state and local officials on issues related to gambling disorders. It would also enable the department to collaborate with community-based organizations, substance use disorder treatment centers, and other healthcare providers who assist individuals affected by gambling disorders.

Under the proposed bill, IDHS would have the authority to award grants to create or support local gambling prevention, recognition, and response projects. These initiatives are aimed at providing targeted support and fostering a more effective response to gambling issues within communities across the state.

“Gambling releases dopamine and can quickly escalate from a fun pastime to a serious issue,” stated Senator Morrison, according to WCIA Champaign. “By recognizing gambling disorder as a health condition, we are breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery.”

The urgency of addressing gambling disorders is underscored by a 2021 statewide report from IDHS, which found that 3.8% of adult Illinois residents experienced problems with gambling, with an additional 7.7% at risk of developing a gambling problem.

Legislative progress and outlook:

The bill has already garnered unanimous support in the Senate, reflecting a strong bipartisan consensus on the importance of enhancing support mechanisms for those affected by gambling disorders. The full text of the bill is available on the Illinois General Assembly’s website, offering transparency and accessibility to all stakeholders interested in the legislative process.

Senator Morrison emphasized the importance of a robust system of care: “When gambling gets out of hand, it can have a snowball effect on a person’s life. It’s important that a system of care is in place to support individuals without judgement as they recover.”