New group to raise awareness of problem gambling
Representatives from Illinois' gaming industry and the addiction treatment community are teaming up to raise awareness of problem gambling.
The Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling includes members of the Illinois Gaming Board, the Illinois Lottery, Rush University Medical Center and the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery.
The coalition says it will work to educate the public on potential dangers of gambling addiction, to coordinate resources for problem gamblers and to prevent underage play.
The group is forming at the same time Illinois lawmakers are considering a major expansion of gambling. The Illinois Senate has approved a bill to add five new casinos in the state and to allow slot machines at O'Hare and Midway international airports.
The legislation is now pending in the Illinois House.