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What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling (sometimes referred to as “gambling addiction” or “gambling
disorder”) is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family,
often disrupting their daily life and career. Anyone who gambles can be at-risk
for developing a gambling problem. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental
health diagnosis.
Some warning signs of a gambling problem are:
Thinking about gambling all the time.
Feeling the need to bet more money
and more often.
Go
ing back to try to win your money
back (“chasing losses”).
Fe
eling restless or irritable when trying
to stop or cut down.
Ga
mbling despite negative
consequences.
In
extreme cases, problem gambling
can cause bankruptcy, legal problems,
job loss, family harms, and thinking
about suicide.
How Widespread is Problem Gambling in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Human Services'
Statewide Gambling and Problem Gambling Needs Assessment
found that:
3.8% of adult Illinoisans (approximately 383,000 people) are considered to have a gambling problem
An additional 7.7% (approximately 761,000 people) are at risk for developing a gambling problem
The National Council on Problem
Gambling estimates that the
annual national social cost of
problem gambling in the U.S. is $7 billion.
These costs include job loss,
bankruptcy, gambling-related
healthcare spending and other
consequences.
Help is available
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 800GAM
Chat: www.1800gamblerchat.org
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