The vast majority of the millions of people who gamble do so responsibly and for fun. A study by the Harvard Medical School found that 1.5 percent of the adult U.S. population suffers from pathological gambling. However small this percentage, the Illinois gaming industry takes problem gaming very seriously.

The ICGA is committed to promoting responsible gaming and offering support mechanisms for people in need of help.

Illinois casinos have implemented and contributed to a variety of responsible gaming programs, including:

  • A 24/7 Help Line/Referral Service (1-800-GAMBLER).
    Funded by the ICGA, this number appears on casino print advertising and direct mail to patrons, as well as on posters, pamphlets and business card-sized handouts at each casino.

  • The Illinois Coalition to Curb Problem Gambling
    This year Illinois' casinos spearheaded formation of a task force to bring together the knowledge and resources of organizations of varied perspectives that are actively addressing problem gaming in Illinois. The task force will work to prevent pathological gambling through public education and providing help to those with gambling disorders. Participants in the coalition include the Illinois Gaming Board, the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, Illinois Department of Human Services, the Outreach Foundation for Problem Gamblers, Illinois Council on Problem Gambling and Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery.

  • Employee Training
     The casinos train all employees on the signs and symptoms of pathological gambling and empower them to discuss the issue with any patron who may need assistance.

  • Self-Exclusion Programs
    Illinois riverboat casinos worked closely with the Illinois Gaming Board to promote a statewide, state-administered Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program.  Several enhancements to this program are being implemented in 2006.  Any self-excluded individual who attempts to enter or enters any casino in Illinois will be arrested for trespass.  Additionally, all individuals who appear to be under 30 years of age will be required to present a government issued I.D.  More information:  Illinois Gaming Board press release, June 22, 2006, Gaming Board Strengthens Self-Exclusion Program.  To contact The Illinois Gaming Board Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program call 1-877-YOU QUIT (1-877-968-7848) or (312)-814-8832. 


 

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