Bill to classify compulsive gambling as a substance abuse disorder passes Illinois Senate
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois lawmakers are working to classify compulsive gambling as a substance abuse disorder with a bill in the state capitol.
If gambling disorder is categorized under the Substance Use Disorder Act, the Illinois Department of Human Services would be able to create programs for the prevention, recognition and treatment of the disorder and fund grants for local intervention programs.
Illinois bill aims to limit suspensions for students in preschool through 2nd grade
'Gambling releases dopamine and can quickly escalate from a fun pastime to a serious issue,' said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). 'By recognizing gambling disorder as a health condition, we are breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery.'
IDHS found in a 2021 statewide report 3.8% of adult Illinois residents experienced problems with gambling, with an additional 7.7% of Illinoisans at risk of developing a gambling problem.
'When gambling gets out of hand, it can have a snowball effect on a person's life,' said Morrison. 'It's important that a system of care is in place to support individuals without judgement as they recover.'
The bill passed the Senate last week unanimously. The full text of the bill can be found on the Illinois General Assembly's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Katie Pappas had kept a secret for weeks from her students at northwest suburban Timber Trails Elementary. The 40-year-old health teacher's kidney was failing, and she spent around eight to 11 hours every night tethered to a dialysis machine. Eventually, the time came to confide in her students, and she explained that their usually bubbly, upbeat teacher was struggling. Her kindergarteners at the Hoffman Estates school didn't understand kidney disease, but they did understand pollution, Pappas said. 'So Miss Pappas' kidney is not cleaning the pollution in her blood, that's why I'm tired all the time. We understand that,' Pappas said. 'Fourth grade and up, they know the body systems.' Pappas, described by her family and former students as a 'giver,' 'role model' and 'inspiration,' is one of about 3,500 Illinoisans waiting for a kidney transplant in a state where, according to the American Kidney Fund, the average wait time is five to seven years. 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