The Illinois Department of Human Services recently launched a 1-year study on gambling addition in the state. The half-million-dollar study will help the agency develop future programs to prevent problem gambling and increase access to treatment and services. The study will address risk factors of problem gambling and populations that are vulnerable or marginalized because of race, culture and economic or social inequality.
IDHS Secretary Grace Hou said, “This gambling prevalence study is unprecedented in Illinois and will give us a clearer understanding of the prevalence of gambling disorder in the state. Understanding the pervasiveness of gambling disorder will allow us to target communities that may be disproportionality impacted by the expansion of gambling in the state. The study will also help us to understand where we can make further investments in Illinois communities to support treatment and recovery as well as education for responsible gambling.”
The study is being paid for with revenue from Illinois’ gambling tax and dedicated funds from the 2021 fiscal year budget.
