EIN: 36-2605412

Problem Gambling

There are more and more opportunities to gamble in our community. Whether it be lottery, online gaming, bingo, video poker, slots, casinos, or sports betting; gambling is everywhere. Many people are unaware there are risks involved in gambling.

Certain populations are at greater risk than others to develop a problem, such as:

      • adolescents and young adults
      • seniors
      • military and veterans
      • athletes (check out our blog about this at https://fightproblemgambling.com/)
      • individuals with a family history of alcoholism or other addiction
      • those who were exposed to gambling at a young age

Many people can gamble without incident. They play and, win or lose, walk away, not thinking much about it. Others can experience:

  • being preoccupied with gambling
  • a need to increase the amount they bet in order to feel the same level of excitement
  • feeling the need to keep playing to win back what they’ve lost (called “chasing losses”)
  • gambling to escape personal problems like sadness, anxiety, grief
  • difficulty cutting down or quitting
  • becoming restless or irritable, or even depressed when quitting
  • needing friends or family to bail them out of financial problems caused by gambling
  • finding that they are hiding their gambling from loved ones
  • gambling causes problems at work, home or school

Nicasa is one of the first providers contracted with the state of Illinois to provide problem gambling services since 2002.

Help is available; contact us for a free consultation. Call us at 847-546-6450 or email gamblingservices@nicasa.org. Interpreters are available at our sites throughout the county. Video counseling can be provided for those with no transportation, childcare, or other obstacles to in-person counseling.

We offer:

  • Consultation appointment, usually within 24-48 hours of your call
  • Individual Counseling
  • Family Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • Tele-Counseling
  • Access to 12-step support on-site
  • Assistance signing up for Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
  • Free 1-year subscription to program blocking online gambling
  • Free smoking-cessation materials
  • Access to financial/credit counseling

There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling, if left unchecked, can lead to loss of a job, home, relationships, and even life. Don’t wait.