CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois is launching a new state website aimed at helping people affected by gambling addictions.
The Illinois Department of Human Services on Monday announced the website, WeKnowtheFeeling.org .
The new website comes as gambling is expanding across the nation. In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is looking to expanded sports betting to help close a multibillion-dollar state budget hole. The Legislature would first have to legalize expanded wagering.
Illinois already operates a hotline for people with gambling problems. Deputy Governor Sol Flores says Illinois’ 24-hour hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, receives thousands of calls each month. Flores says “we hope to see a large number of people utilize our website the same way.”
The website connects people to treatment and provides a place for people to share their stories.
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press.
