Could problem gambling be a growing problem in Illinois? Calls to helpline skyrocket
Gamblers from Illinois and their families are contacting the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at an alarming rate, data shows.
Calls, chats and texts placed to the national 1-800-GAMBLER helpline from Illinois residents more than doubled in 2023 to 25,287 from 12,342 in 2022.
Halfway through 2024, Illinois residents contacted the helpline 15,998 times and were on pace to contact the helpline 23% more times than last year.
Illinois Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director David Wohl said it makes sense that we are seeing an uptick in problem gambling as the sports betting industry explodes , slot machines have become ubiquitous across the state and new casinos open.
"The more people are exposed to it, then you could draw the conclusion that more people may start to develop gambling problems," Wohl said. "Gambling is everyplace.
"I remember watching a football game and they would never talk about betting. Now, the announcers are talking about the line on the game as they're announcing the game. That just blows my mind."
More: Grand opening date announced for Hard Rock Casino Rockford
An effective "Are You Really Winning?" advertising campaign launched by the Illinois Department of Human Services in 2022 is also playing a role in the increased call volume, Wohl said.
The campaign asks gamblers to look out for signs of problem gambling like asking friends or family for money to cover financial problems caused by gambling or hiding how much you gamble.
Illinois residents last year spent $1.5 billion at casinos, $173 million more than in 2022. They wagered $960 million in online sports betting, about $200 million more than 2022.
And they lost $2.9 billion playing slot machines at bars and video gaming parlors, about $200 million more than 2022, according to data from the Illinois Gaming Board and the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling.
Hard Rock Casino, A Hard Rock Opening Act made $69 million in 2023 and generated about $16 million in taxes.
Midway through the year, Illinois residents have contacted the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline more times than residents of any state other than California, which contacted the helpline 29,674 times by July 1.
Texas is right behind Illinois having contacted the helpline 15,699 times, according to the data. Some states have other helplines available.
Wohl said most people know how to set limits and walk away from gambling when they reach it. There is a small percentage of people who are at risk of developing a gambling disorder who have trouble stopping even when they know they probably should.
Placing wagers is easier than ever.
"How easy is it?" Wohl said. "You can be sitting in your recliner watching the basketball game, and you can pick up your phone and you know, drop $1,000 without breaking a sweat."
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at [email protected] and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Calls to Illinois problem gambling hotline more than double
