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Have you ever felt that rush of excitement when placing a bet, only to find yourself struggling to stop? 

You’re not alone. 

According to the World Health Organization, gambling addiction – also known as problem gambling – affects 1.2% of the global population, and it’s an issue for countless people, families, and communities across Illinois.  

Problem gambling can have overwhelming and severe impacts on finances, relationships, and mental health. However, the stigma around problem gambling prevents over 80% of people who struggle with a gambling addiction from ever seeking treatment. 

At the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG), we understand how difficult a gambling disorder can be. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate support, helpful resources, and educational programs to empower you and your community in facing gambling addiction together.

What is Gambling Addiction?

If you’ve ever wondered what gambling addiction is, you’re already taking a very important first step toward awareness. Gambling addiction is most often characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, even when it causes a great deal of harm in someone’s life. Unlike casual gambling, a gambling addiction can lead to severe emotional, mental, and financial consequences.

From a mental health perspective, a gambling addiction can completely dominate someone’s thoughts. This makes it extremely difficult to concentrate on daily tasks or nurture healthy relationships. 

Emotionally, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, and helplessness. Many people that are living with a gambling addiction also have to deal with severe financial distress, as they may risk their savings, accumulate debt, and even put their family’s well-being in jeopardy.

Here in Illinois, gambling addiction is more common than you might realize. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, 3.8% of adult Illinoisans are considered to have a gambling problem and an additional 7.7% of the population are at risk of developing one. This means that thousands of individuals are struggling daily, often in isolation because of the stigma or lack of awareness that surrounds gambling addiction. 

That’s why it’s so important to understand the reality of gambling addiction, not just for those who are directly affected but also for family, friends, community members, and mental health providers. Awareness of the issue is the first step toward providing the proper support and guiding loved ones toward a future filled with recovery and healing.

Are you an Illinois mental health provider looking to learn more about problem gambling(and get free CEUs)? Start your journey here.

Gambling Addiction vs. Problem Gambling vs. Gambling Disorder

It’s common to see different terms, like gambling addiction, problem gambling, and gambling disorder, used when discussing the challenges that people face with gambling. You might be wondering if these are different issues. All three terms describe the same condition, referring to the ongoing difficulty in controlling gambling behavior, even when it leads to personal harm.

Different groups may choose different terms based on their background or context. For instance, healthcare professionals often use “gambling disorder,” as it’s the clinical term that mental health experts most commonly recognize. 

Meanwhile, community organizations and support groups may prefer “problem gambling,” which feels less clinical, emphasizes that gambling is causing difficulties and problems in a person’s life, and takes away the stigma associated with “addiction.” The phrase “gambling addiction” is often used publicly since it’s easily understood by most people.

No matter the label, the most important thing is to use respectful, compassionate language. At ICPG, we use people-centered language, such as “people living with problem gambling.” It’s essential to recognize the individual first and the issue second. Speaking with compassion will help reduce the stigma around this issue and will allow more people to get the help and healing that they need.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Gambling Problem?

When someone is experiencing a gambling addiction, there are usually three different types of signs: psychological, emotional, and behavioral.

Psychological Signs

  • Frequent or obsessive thoughts about gambling
  • Difficulty focusing on daily tasks
  • Constantly planning around future gambling opportunities

You might notice your friend being distracted often. They may openly express how hard it is to concentrate at work because thoughts about gambling keep intruding.

Emotional Signs

  • Anxiety or restlessness when not able to gamble
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or sadness following gambling sessions
  • Unexplained mood swings related to gambling results

Your family member might seem unusually irritable or down after coming home from the casino, even if they don’t openly discuss what happened.

Behavioral Signs

  • Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling
  • Increasing secrecy or lying about gambling activities
  • Chasing their losses by betting more money in an effort to win back previous losses
  • Sudden financial trouble or frequent requests to borrow money

You may notice your colleague becoming defensive or secretive when discussing finances, suddenly borrowing money without clear reasons, or withdrawing from activities that they previously enjoyed.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER today.

Tips to Stop Problem Gambling Before it Starts

Preventing gambling issues before they start is essential, especially since gambling and gaming have become so much more accessible to so many more people. Early awareness can significantly reduce the risk of developing gambling-related problems later in life.

Families, educators, and community members can play critical roles in prevention:

  • Open Communication – Talk honestly with children and teens about the risks associated with gambling and gaming. Encourage them to talk openly about their feelings and ask lots of questions.
  • Monitor Gaming Habits – Stay aware of online gaming behaviors, especially games that involve betting-like features or loot boxes.
  • Set Limits and Boundaries – Clearly establish healthy boundaries around gambling behaviors at home and within community spaces.
  • Educate and Inform – Schools and community centers can provide education on gambling risks as part of their broader mental health programs.

Empowering Illinois Healthcare Providers to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem

Right now, there are so many counselors and healthcare providers across Illinois who haven’t had specific training to recognize or address problem gambling. This gap often leaves gambling addiction misunderstood, unnoticed, and untreated, placing those who are affected at a greater risk of emotional, financial, and relational harm. 

Specialized training empowers providers to correctly identify the early warning signs, initiate compassionate conversations, and provide the most appropriate interventions customized to each individual’s needs.

Discover How You Can Help End Problem Gambling Today

At the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG), we’re dedicated to bridging this gap. We offer accessible, comprehensive training and valuable resources designed to specifically give therapists, healthcare professionals, and community helpers the tools they need to support people living with problem gambling. 

By providing Illinois healthcare professionals with these skills and knowledge, we’re creating stronger, healthier communities together.
If you’re a healthcare provider or community member in Illinois who wants to better understand problem gambling and help those who are most affected, visit our website or contact us today.