Illinois Governor Expands Treatments For Gambling Disorders

As gambling disorders become a more common point of discussion, Illinois has taken a step toward finding some solutions.

Gov. JB Pritzker officially signed Senate Bill 2749 into law, codifying the state’s Substance Use Disorder Act. Under the new legislation, gambling addiction can be classified as a disorder, allowing those afflicted a better chance to get the funding for treatment. Per Pritzker’s signature, the bill goes into effect immediately.

Pritzker officially signed 77 bills to close out July. This was the sole bill regarding gambling, as a bill regarding iGaming in Illinois remains stuck in committee. The Illinois legislature will return for a veto session in November to discuss any legislation that Pritzker rejects. However, nothing that happens in that session is likely to affect gambling in Illinois.

The legislation requires the state’s Department of Human Services to collaborate with the state Board of Education to develop educational measures to counter gambling disorders. It also permits the Department of Human Services to award grants to organizations working against gambling disorders and will lead to a state campaign to prevent gambling addictions.

Why Is Illinois Focused on Stopping Gambling Disorders?

Per a recent report, just over 1 million Illinois residents have a gambling disorder, or are considered at risk to develop one. With discussions regarding legal gambling becoming more contentious, both states and gambling operators have shown an interest in battling gambling disorders.

Illinois’ new bill comes as the state fights to expand legal gambling. House Bill 4797, written by Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (D-Chicago) has been sitting in committee since March. It’s likely to come up again in the next legislative session, as Illinois has continued to expand legal betting.

Given the current political climate, it’s in Illinois’ best interests to combat gambling addiction before it tries to expand gambling in the Prairie State.

How Does This Change Things for Illinois?

While the bill doesn’t set an amount for combating gambling disorders, it’s going to result in an increase in funding. One of the state’s recent criticisms is that it only spends 0.1% of its gambling revenue on treatment for addictions. Meanwhile, since legalizing sports betting, Illinois has made over $1 billion in tax revenue.

This bill should change that disparity. As part of the legislation, the bill also gives the Department of Human Services the ability to require certain language on treatment for gambling addiction. In order to maintain an Illinois license, a sportsbook or casino will have to prominently feature the state’s language regarding getting treatment.

That’s likely to take some time before it appears on websites or casino properties. Once Illinois approves new language, it will become mandatory in the state.

What’s The Expected Timeline?

For something like this, change is likely to happen before the end of the year. With Pritzker’s signature, the bill’s provisions take effect immediately when possible. When they’re not, such as with language on gambling statements, the wait shouldn’t be long.

Unlike the legislature, the Department of Human Services doesn’t go out of session. Most likely, new language will appear on Illinois casinos and sportsbook sometime in August or September.