Website expands access to treatment and recovery resources
information provided by the Illinois Department of Human Resources
CHICAGO, Ill. (March 4, 2019) – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today announced the launch of a statewide website to provide access to treatment and recovery for those impacted by gambling disorder.
The website, WeKnowtheFeeling.org, will accompany 1-800-GAMBLER and provide another outlet for individuals experiencing gambling disorder and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals can also text ILGAMB to 53342 to find treatment options. Support specialists who operate the helpline and website are trained in evidence-based approaches to help connect callers and web users with treatment and recovery support services.
The gaming industry is expanding and evolving at unprecedented rates. The global online gambling market alone is forecasted to grow to more than $59 billion by 2020. A recent National Survey of Problem Gambling Services reported that more than 2% of adults in Illinois may have a problem with gambling. Treatment needs vary with each individual, but often stigma and shame prevent individuals with gambling disorder from asking for help.
“We receive thousands of calls to the 24-Hour hotline each month,” said Deputy Governor Sol Flores, “and we hope to see a large number of people utilize our website the same way. Our focus is providing support and treatment to individuals so they can get back on the right track and out of financial hardship.”
The website helps individuals with gambling disorder find the best treatment options available. Individuals can take a quiz to help determine if they have a gambling problem, click to chat with a live specialist for advice about responsible gambling, and get connected to local treatment providers.
The gambling website is funded by the State of Illinois. IDHS Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery partnered with Morneau Shepell, a human resources consulting and technology company that provides clinically driven, award-winning and customizable solutions in responsible gambling, to launch WeKnowtheFeeling.org.
