Illinois has launched an anonymous online survey for gamblers as the state tries to determine the level of gambling addiction.
Researchers contracted by the state and addiction treatment specialists are asking Illinois gamblers to take the online survey. The survey targets state residents who regularly gamble on everything from the lottery and bingos to slot machines and sports betting. The survey also welcomes input from illegal gamblers who bet on things like cockfighting and dogfighting.
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The State Wants to Get a Handle on Gambling Addiction
The anonymous survey, conducted on behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services, is part of a statewide look into gambling addiction. The end goal is to connect problem gamblers with addiction counselors.
National estimates indicate that 3% of the population has a problem with gambling. But, it’s unknown if that number applies to Illinois since the state’s gambling addiction hasn’t been studied for more than 20 years.
Over the last 20 years, gambling in Illinois has changed, especially with a 2019 gambling expansion law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. That expansion will add thousands of slot machines and six new casinos throughout Illinois.
With the legalization of online sports betting and casinos, anywhere a cellphone signal is available, people can gamble.
Gambling Has Become Very Easy in Illinois
Over the last two years, calls to the state’s gambling addiction hotline have more than doubled. That’s concerning, and addiction experts point out that the availability of gambling is part of the problem.
But, exact data about the impact of availability on problem gamblers in Illinois is very limited. That is why a study was included in Illinois’ latest gaming expansion.
Boston-based Health Resources in Action, a public health research firm, is helping to conduct the $500,000 study.
The study is especially focused on those who are marginalized by race, socio-economic disparities, and culture. Researchers would like to hear from those who think of themselves as “frequent” gamblers, even if they don’t think they have a problem.
The survey less than 15 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential, but survey participants who provide an email address can receive a $30 gift card. State officials expect to release a report on the study by next summer.
To take part in the survey, visit bit.ly/ILGamblingSurvey.
30,000 Slot Machines in 6,800 Locations Across Illinois
Ever since video gambling went live in 2012, video gaming terminals have spread like wildfire across the state. Over the years, gamblers have lost around $5 billion on the ubiquitous gaming terminals. Now, that online gambling is legal, Illinois residents are set to lose even more.
However, the state’s addiction resources for problem gamblers have not kept up with the explosion in availability. In fact, Over the last ten years, the number of people receiving state-funded treatment for gambling addiction has declined.
To make matters worse, the state has not allocated a sufficient amount for campaigns letting problem gamblers know where to seek help.
Finally, no money has been allocated to conduct research to gauge the number of state residents suffering from gambling addiction.
The Signs of Gambling Addiction
People with a gambling addiction feel an uncontrollable urge to gamble. They constantly think about buying lottery tickets, playing slots online, visiting a casino, or betting on sports. They are unable to control that impulse and will keep gambling despite the negative financial, social, and legal consequences.
People with a gambling addiction often display these behaviors:
- obsessing over gambling
- failure to control their gambling
- gambling to feel better about life
- skipping work or social commitments to gamble
- selling possessions for gambling money
- losing a job, home, or a relationship due to gambling
- using the money for bills and other expenses for gambling
- stealing for gambling money
- feeling guilty about gambling
- lying about your gambling
- taking more and more risks while gambling
However, people with gambling addiction don’t always gamble a lot. But when they do, they find it nearly impossible to stop.
Treating Gambling Addiction
The most immediate way to get help is through a 12-step program like Gambler’s Anonymous. Twelve-step programs are very good if you can’t afford more intensive treatment. For this type of support, text “ILGAMB” to 53342 or call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Private psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may also be beneficial. Gambling addiction often stems from deeper psychological issues that must be dealt with. You may also need to attend group therapy sessions.
If you think you have a problem with gambling, click here for more information. A gambling addiction not only destroys the gambler’s life but also the lives of those around them.
