QUINCY — March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of gambling addiction and encouraging those who are struggling to seek help.
Most people who watched the Super Bowl this month may have noticed an increase in gambling ads. As sports betting apps surge in popularity and gambling becomes more embedded in popular culture, experts say it is more important than ever to recognize the signs of a gambling problem, especially amongst young people.
Ashley Jackson, an Illinois-based certified gambling counselor with Clarity Healthcare, specializes in treating individuals experiencing gambling addiction. Jackson gives the clinical definition of gambling as “the act of risking something of value, including money and property, on an activity that has an uncertain outcome.”
For many people, gambling begins as a socially acceptable pastime: a friendly wager during March Madness, a weekend trip to a casino or a few dollars placed on a sports betting app. For some, what starts as entertainment evolves into a progressive disorder.
Jackson explained that like substance use disorders, gambling addiction is a diagnosable behavioral condition and involves changes in brain chemistry and patterns of compulsive behavior. Gambling addiction is often referred to as the “hidden addiction.”
“Gambling disorder is absolutely viewed differently than other addictions,” Jackson said. “Our society has started to embrace addiction as a disease when it comes to drugs or alcohol, but disordered gambling is still sometimes viewed as a choice.”
That perception can deepen the shame many individuals feel. Unlike substance misuse, there are often no outward physical signs of a gambling addiction. Financial losses can be concealed. Online betting accounts can be hidden behind passwords. This secrecy can allow the disorder to escalate unnoticed.
There is no universal threshold that defines when gambling becomes a problem. For one person, missing a rent payment may signal a crisis. For another, the problem may show up in constant preoccupation with betting, lying to loved ones or chasing losses to try to win back money. The impact is what matters.
Jackson encourages individuals to reflect on a simple but revealing question:
“Think about the last time you placed a bet and ask yourself, ‘Is my life unmanageable because of it?” Jackson said in a press release. “It is not a scientific diagnostic tool, but it can help someone pause and examine whether gambling is beginning to create chaos in their relationships, finances or mental health.”
In recent years, the rise of legalized sports betting has transformed the landscape. What once required a trip to a racetrack or casino can now happen with a few taps and swipes on a smartphone. Betting and gambling apps send push notifications. Promotional credits lower the barrier to entry. For young adults who grew up with digital technology, gambling can feel as seamless as scrolling social media.
Problem gambling and gambling addiction do not discriminate. It exists across cultures, generations and socioeconomic backgrounds. Most gambling Super Bowl ads this year were targeted to Gen Z, and there was an increase of advertising towards women.
Jackson explains that teens and young adults are more likely to be “action gamblers,” drawn to competitive, high-stakes experiences such as sports betting and online gaming. Older adults may be “escape gamblers,” gravitating toward casinos for the social environment and using gambling to cope with loneliness or stress.
“Our phones and electronic devices are almost always within arm’s reach,” Jackson said. “This means apps and websites that exist exclusively for gambling are always right there.”
“The casino in the back pocket” predicament can intensify impulsive behavior. A stressful day or a moment of boredom can become triggers. For young people navigating financial pressures due to the rising cost of living, the promise of a quick win can be especially tempting.
“Transparency about gambling habits and enlisting supportive family members and friends can be one of the biggest benefits to those struggling,” Jackson said. “Setting and maintaining boundaries around money and time is also critical, whether that means limiting access to credit cards, uninstalling apps or establishing accountability systems.”
Illinois residents looking for gambling addiction support can call 1-800-GAMBLER or text “ILGAMB” to 833234. Individuals may also self-exclude from brick-and-mortar casinos, a formal process that restricts their ability to enter gambling establishments. Nationally, free support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon provide peer-based recovery for individuals and family members.
Jackson notes that younger individuals may seek additional or alternative avenues beyond traditional 12-step meetings, which can sometimes feel outdated or intimidating. Today, several online recovery apps and telehealth counseling services offer more flexible, technology-friendly support options tailored to modern lifestyles.
“The key is recognizing that help exists and that seeking it is not a sign of weakness,” Jackson said.
Clarity Healthcare has creditable gambling addiction providers in Illinois available in-person and virtually to help individuals and families navigate the impact of gambling disorders. Call 217-222-6277 or visit clarity-healthcare.org for more information and to schedule an appointment today.