Illinois Governor Signs Bill Integrating Gambling Disorder into Substance Use Treatment Law

Illinois has taken a significant step in addressing gambling-related harm by officially incorporating gambling disorder into the state’s existing Substance Use Disorder Act. Governor JB Pritzker recently signed Senate Bill 2749, which positions gambling disorder as a public health concern and mandates a coordinated government approach to prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services.

The new legislation expands the state’s addiction framework to cover gambling-specific planning, prevention, research, and long-term support. It also requires closer collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations. The law recognizes that gambling addiction affects not only individuals but also families, workplaces, and communities, with recovery extending beyond clinical care to include crisis intervention and referral services.

“It’s just recognizing the fact this is also another addiction disorder, and those people also need the help,” said Sen. Julie Morrison, the bill’s sponsor, emphasizing the need for statutory parity with substance use disorders.

The bill received broad bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the Illinois Senate and winning approval in the House with only 11 Republican representatives opposed.

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) gains responsibility for coordinating a statewide strategy covering prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. IDHS will work with federal and state agencies, local governments, non-profits, and treatment professionals to standardize care and expand evidence-based services.

Education is a key component: IDHS and the Illinois State Board of Education will develop classroom resources and prevention programs to teach students about gambling risks, probability, financial literacy, and addiction. The bill encourages training for teachers and counselors to identify early warning signs of gambling-related harm.

Crisis intervention services are also strengthened, with an emphasis on raising awareness about gambling-related mental health risks, including suicidal ideation. Healthcare professionals, counselors, teachers, and social workers will receive training to recognize gambling disorders.

Licensed gambling operators — including casinos, sportsbooks, and mobile betting platforms — must prominently display treatment information provided by IDHS. The law also calls for enhanced customer screening, public education, and improved access to rehabilitation services.

Additionally, the legislation broadens the definition of gambling to include bets on uncertain outcomes regardless of whether they are licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board. This explicitly covers participation in offshore gambling websites and other unregulated online platforms. The move comes as the state continues to pursue action against prediction market operators, amid wider debates over their regulation.