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 The website, WeKnowtheFeeling.org, will accompany 1-800-GAMBLER and
provide another outlet for individuals experiencing gambling
disorder and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Individuals can also text ILGAMB to 53342 to find treatment options.
Support specialists who operate the helpline and website are trained
in evidence-based approaches to help connect callers and web users
with treatment and recovery support services.
The gaming industry is expanding and evolving at unprecedented
rates. The global online gambling market alone is forecasted to grow
to more than $59 billion by 2020. A recent National Survey of
Problem Gambling Services reported that more than 2% of adults in
Illinois may have a problem with gambling. Treatment needs vary with
each individual, but often stigma and shame prevent individuals with
gambling disorder from asking for help.
“This website will provide another way for Illinoisans struggling
with gambling disorder to access resources, treatment options and
the support they need,” said Deputy Governor Sol Flores. “We receive
thousands of calls to the 24-Hour hotline each month and we hope to
see a large number of people utilize our website the same way. Our
focus is providing support and treatment to individuals so they can
get back on the right track and out of financial hardship.”
The website helps individuals with gambling disorder find the best
treatment options available. Individuals can take a quiz to help
determine if they have a gambling problem, click to chat with a live
specialist for advice about responsible gambling and get connected
to local treatment providers.
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The news of the website launch comes during Problem Gambling Awareness Month,
held annually to help individuals have the conversation about problem gambling
and to raise awareness for the services that are available. IDHS gambling
treatment programs also participate in this National Council on Problem Gambling
campaign.
“It is important for people struggling with problem gambling to know that they
are not alone,” IDHS Assistant Secretary of Programs Dr. Maria Bruni said. “The
website not only serves as an important tool to connect individuals with
gambling disorder to treatment, but it also provides a place for people to share
their stories of hope and recovery.”
The gambling website is funded by the State of Illinois. IDHS Division of
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery partnered with Morneau Shepell, a human
resources consulting and technology company that provides clinically driven,
award-winning and customizable solutions in responsible gambling, to launch
WeKnowtheFeeling.org.
If you or someone you know has a gambling disorder, call the state’s hotline at
1-800-GAMBLER, text ILGAMB to 53342 or visit WeKnowtheFeeling.org.
[Illinois Department of Humans
Services]
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