Bill Adding Gambling to Substance Abuse Disorder Act Advances in Illinois
A bill making its way through the Illinois legislature aims to ease access to help for problem gamblers.
An amended Senate bill that would expand Illinois’ Substance Abuse Disorder (SAD) Act to include gambling disorder has passed the Senate Executive Committee with an 8-0 vote and heads to a second reading.
If it becomes law, Senate Bill 2749, which Sen. Julie Morrison introduced on Jan. 13, would fold gambling disorders into the state’s Substance Abuse Disorder Act. As a result, problem gambling would become a state-defined public health issue, making it easier for those negatively impacted by gambling to get help.
In a notice posted online, Morrison said gambling disorders have long affected people and families across Illinois, leading to devastation and a lower quality of life.
By providing support and resources to those affected by gambling disorders, we are ensuring that our neighbors can continue to thrive in our communities and do not have to endure their battle alone.”
Bill Redefines Gambling Disorder as a Public Health Matter
According to Illinois’ Department of Human Services (DHS), roughly 3.8% of Illinoisan adults have a gambling problem. Another 7.7% are at risk of developing one.
Per SB 2749’s text:
“Substance use and gambling disorders, as defined in this Act, constitute a serious public health problem. The effects on public safety and the criminal justice system cause serious social and economic losses, as well as great human suffering. It is imperative that a comprehensive and coordinated strategy be developed under the leadership of a State agency. This strategy should be implemented through the facilities of federal and local government and community-based agencies (which may be public or private, volunteer or professional). Through local prevention, early intervention, treatment, and other recovery support services, this strategy should empower those struggling with substance use and gambling disorders (and, when appropriate, the families of those persons) to lead healthy lives.
The human, social, and economic benefits of preventing these substance use disorders are great, and it is imperative that there be interagency cooperation in the planning and delivery of prevention, early intervention, treatment, and other recovery support services in Illinois.”
By including gambling disorders under the SAD Act, the state could better address gambling problems. Specifically, this bill would empower DHS’s Division of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery (SAPR) to coordinate “disorder prevention, treatment, recovery, and other supportive services.”
The change would also require the department to advise the Social Services Advisory Council (SSAC) on preventing minors from gambling and gaming. Additionally, the measure would require the department to promote awareness of the stigma, impact recognition, and prevention of gambling disorders across individuals, families, and communities.
The legislation would also task the department with preparing a statement on gambling risk for operators to post on their premises, portals, websites, or apps.
Bill Redefines Gambling to Include Illegal Offerings
If enacted, SB 2749 would expand state recovery and prevention programs statewide, marking a shift in efforts to reduce gambling-related harm.
Quite notably, the bill expands the definition of “gambling.”
Per the amended text, “Gambling” is any “activity of betting or wagering on uncertain outcomes, including, but not limited to, betting or wagering activity regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.”
Previously, the definition excluded activities unregulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
The bill also calls for a toll-free hotline and a state-run website offering crisis counseling and referrals, providing families with a single clear entry point. It also directs DHS to otherwise provide counseling, referrals, and other support services for people experiencing gambling disorder.
Other aspects of SB 2749 include:
- Inclusion of problematic video game use in the education components
- Expanded sections on prevention programs and grants, including the creation of resources for schools
- References to gambling-related suicide prevention, including education about the connection between gambling disorder and suicide
- Engagement of individuals exiting correctional facilities who are at a high risk of developing a gambling disorder
According to the IGB, Illinois hosts 17 casinos, nearly 9,000 licensed video gaming terminals (VGTs), and 14 approved sportsbooks. Combined, these regulated operations earned over $2.2 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments in 2025.
Said Morrison:
“Recognizing gambling disorders as a public health issue ensures that all residents have access to the support and resources they need, when they need it – our residents can’t wait.”
The Senate has scheduled SB 2749 for second reading on Feb. 24.
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