New Illinois Law Recognizes Gambling Disorder As An Addiction
Gov. JB Pritzker signs legislation through which Illinois mirrors other large gambling states
Illinois has become the latest state to officially recognize gambling disorder as an addiction after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill making it so last Friday.
The legislation, Senate Bill 2749, changes the state’s Substance Use Disorder Act to bring gambling addiction into the same company as alcohol and drugs, which in turn allows the state to offer programs and support to people and their families who are struggling with gambling addiction.
“We see people who have alcohol dependencies, people who have drug addictions. I think we recognize those as disorders, and it’s in statute, and we are providing different granting mechanisms, different ways to help those people across the state,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Julie Morrison, Capital News Illinois reported. “We haven’t done that with gambling, and that’s what this bill is about. It’s just recognizing the fact this is also another addiction disorder, and those people also need the help.”
The legislation expands the Illinois Department of Human Services’ ability to fund and oversee gambling addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. It also allows the state to support local programs and address issues such as suicide risk, stigma, and the effects of gambling addiction on families.
The bill allows gambling treatment to be offered through existing outpatient, inpatient, and recovery programs. Hospitals, universities, health departments, and community organizations may also apply for state grants, although the programs will still depend on funding approved by lawmakers.
Other states
Illinois is not the first state to take this approach. New York, Maryland, and Ohio already include gambling disorder or gambling addiction within their broader addiction laws. The details vary, but the basic idea is the same: Gambling problems are treated as a health and addiction issue, not simply as a matter of poor judgment or irresponsible behavior.
Other states have built similar systems without using exactly the same language. Pennsylvania, for example, provides gambling treatment and case management services through its Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, while Connecticut operates a compulsive gambling treatment program through its Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Illinois’ law is notable because it puts gambling disorder throughout the state’s existing substance use law, rather than treating it only through a separate problem gambling program.
Jeff Edelstein is a longtime columnist, reporter, radio host, and fantasy sports aficionado, not necessarily in that order. He lives in New Jersey with his family.
