In the context of Illinois’ betting market constantly growing and improving due to sports wagering blowingup, brand-new gamblingestablishments opening often, and slot makers taking over, the existing rise in the number of issue bettors needto not come as a surprise.
According to current information, Prairie State bettors and their families are getting in touch with the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at disturbingly high rates.
Close to 16,000 Helpline Calls in 2024 and Counting
Halfway through the present year, Illinois citizens started 15,998 phone calls, chats, and text messages to the nationwide 1-800-GAMBLER helpline while on rate to contact the helpline 23% more times than last year.
The number is greater than that of any other UnitedStates state otherthan for California, whose locals utilized the helpline 29,674 times by July 1, 2024.
Texas is ranked second behind Illinois with 15,699 helpline contact incidents.
In 2023, locals started 25,287 phone calls, chats, and text messages to the nationwide 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
The figure represents more than double from 2022’s 12,342 calls and texts.
David Wohl, Illinois Council on Problem Gambling’s executive director, spoke about past years when “watching a football videogame” didn’t likewise consistof wagering conversations, which is now a typical event in commentators’ speeches.
“The more individuals are exposed to it, then you might draw the conclusion that more individuals might start to establish gaming issues,” he stated, including betting has turned into an universal activity today.
“That simply blows my mind,” he stated.
The “Are You Really Winning?” Campaign
Executive director Wohl likewise thinks that the “Are You Really Winning” marketing project that was introduced by the Illinois Department of Human Services 2 years