Illinois addiction center aims to raise problem gambling awareness

The center and the IDHS have teamed up during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Addicts Victorious, a local addiction center in Illinois has affirmed its commitment to helping those with gambling addictions, according to a KHQA local news report.

The center works with people who struggle with various additions. However, during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Addicts Victorious, along with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will team up to raise awareness regarding problem gambling.

More than 1.1 million Illinois residents struggle with gambling addiction, representing more than 4% of the state’s population, according to recent data from the IDHS.

Sports betting and video gaming machines are currently the state’s main sources of gambling. However, IDHS Gambling Administrator told local news that “gambling can come from other sources.”

He explained to local news, “A lot of people with a gambling disorder play the lottery on a daily or more often basis.

“Buying loot boxes believe it or not within video games, especially in our younger generation or younger crowd are engaging with video games, sometimes those loot boxes can become an actual gambling disorder issue for them.”

Wilkerson went on to note the importance of being able to spot warning signs of a potential gambling problem. He explained that those who no longer view gambling as something they do for entertainment but as something they do to chase wins or losses could display some of those signs.

Addicts Victorious Program Coordinator Raymond Steadman discussed how gambling addiction might not be as easy to spot as other addictions.

He explained to local news, “It’s one of those addictions that seem to be hidden because people don’t look for that addiction, whereas alcoholism or any other opioid addiction is very obvious.”

Sarah Chen

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