Illinois has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first state to officially classify gambling addiction as a substance use disorder. This pivotal decision will enhance funding and expand treatment resources for individuals diagnosed with this condition.
The Illinois Senate Bill 2749, signed by Governor JB Pritzker (D) last Friday, includes gambling addiction in the state’s Substance Use Disorder Act, the framework governing prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance-related issues. SB2749 places gambling addiction on equal footing with substance abuse from drugs and alcohol.
This legislation received bipartisan support and successfully passed through the Illinois General Assembly this spring.
SB2749 mandates the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to incorporate gambling disorder services into existing substance abuse initiatives, ensuring that adequate patient resources are available for those seeking assistance. The IDHS is required to establish or outsource a helpline and website for gambling disorders, run public awareness campaigns, provide training for healthcare providers, and launch grant programs focused on local prevention and treatment efforts.
“Gambling addictions have long affected residents and families throughout Illinois, leading to financial ruin and prolonged mental health issues. By designating gambling as a disorder under the Department of Human Services, the state can deliver essential addiction services to those impacted,” stated Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), the main author of SB2749.
Funding for Illinois’ gambling addiction services will be sourced from federal grants allocated for substance use disorder assistance, along with various state funding mechanisms, including the Illinois Drug Treatment Fund.
Is Gambling Addiction a Mental Health Concern?
According to Illinois’ legal framework, “gambling disorder” is equated with mental health issues. SB2749 conveys that this condition is characterized by a persistent or recurring pattern of problematic gambling, resulting in substantial psychological distress and impairment in mental and physical health.
“Recognized as a substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), gambling disorder shares characteristics with substance abuse, as both activate the brain’s reward systems and manifest similar behavioral symptoms,” the law states.
Senator Morrison posits that recognizing gambling addiction as a substance use disorder provides affected individuals with access to state resources for effective treatment and a clear path to recovery.
“By acknowledging gambling addiction as a disorder and addressing it as a critical public health challenge, we are guaranteeing that all residents can obtain the support and resources they require, precisely when they need them,” Morrison added.
In 2025, gamblers in Illinois lost over $3.4 billion to commercial casinos and video gaming terminals.
Gambling Education in Schools
Alongside providing support and treatment for compulsive gamblers, SB2749 instructs the IDHS to collaborate with the State Board of Education, if the Board desires, to create educational materials for K-12 public schools aimed at educating students about gambling disorders.
However, the law does not mandate that schools receiving state funding implement a gambling disorder curriculum. It simply stipulates that school districts may utilize the instructional resources available to them.