Senate Bill 2749, introduced by State Senator Julie A. Morrison, aims to strengthen support for those affected by gambling addiction in Illinois. Filed before the 104th General Assembly, the measure seeks to amend the Substance Use Disorder Act to include comprehensive services for individuals and families coping with gambling-related issues.
The move follows growing concern about gambling addiction as gaming options expand statewide. With this legislation, lawmakers hope to improve awareness, access to treatment, and preventive efforts in communities across Illinois. The bill brings a new focus on Gambling addiction support in Illinois by linking treatment and education systems more closely than before.
A central objective of Illinois SB 2749 is to broaden support services for gambling disorders. If passed, the bill would require the Illinois Department of Human Services’ gambling division to include counseling, professional referrals, and targeted care options for individuals affected by gambling issues. This expands the scope of currently available services, which often focus primarily on substance use disorders.
The bill also creates educational responsibilities. DHS would partner with the State Board of Education to produce instructional materials for schools. These resources would help educators and youth better understand problem gambling, signifying a first for Problem gambling prevention schools in Illinois.
To make support accessible, SB 2749 orders the creation of a state-managed toll-free hotline and a dedicated website for crisis counseling and referral services. These resources aim to make information about help and recovery more visible and immediate for families dealing with compulsive gambling.
Under the bill, DHS can partner with universities to design and promote research and treatment programs focused on gambling-related issues. This would help expand professional understanding and treatment methods across the state.
The legislation provides clear definitions to strengthen the understanding and treatment of gambling-related issues. It specifies that a “gambling disorder” is a persistent, recurring pattern of maladaptive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, family, or professional life.
It also clarifies that “gambling” refers to betting or wagering on outcomes regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board regulations, ensuring that regulated gaming activities fall within the law’s scope for support services and preventive measures.
These definitions help streamline outreach, treatment, and educational efforts by reinforcing that the issue is recognized in state law and healthcare systems.
Officially filed on January 13, 2026, SB 2749 was given its First Reading in the Senate. It has since been referred to the Senate Assignments Committee as lawmakers begin reviewing the bill’s details and potential impact. Supporters argue that as gaming options expand in Illinois, including the following listed below, so too must the state’s response to gambling-related harm.
With gaming expanding across the state, including regulated online options, concerns about gambling-related harm are increasing. Supporters of this measure stress that expanding services is not only compassionate but practical. Early intervention and education can reduce long-term personal and economic costs associated with untreated gambling disorders.
If adopted, SB 2749 would position Illinois as a leader in both problem gambling prevention schools and statewide treatment support. It would also help standardize care, making support easier to navigate and more visible to affected families.
As the bill continues through committee review, its sponsors and supporters hope it receives strong bipartisan backing. The integration of gambling disorder support into existing behavioral health frameworks reflects a growing understanding of gambling issues as public health concerns rather than solely legal or financial problems.
The inclusion of hotlines, educational partnerships, and expanded counseling signals a major shift in how the state approaches gambling addiction. If passed, the legislation would ensure that treatment and support are recognized and funded components of statewide health services.
Senate Bill 2749 represents a significant effort by Illinois lawmakers to expand care, awareness, and prevention for gambling disorder. By formally embedding gambling disorder treatment into the Substance Use Disorder Act and creating partnerships across education and health systems, the bill could transform how support is delivered statewide. As it moves through the 104th General Assembly, stakeholders will closely watch its progress and potential impact on individuals and families affected by gambling-related issues.
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