How Illinois’ Gambling Bill May Trigger Those Struggling With Addiction

By Nereida Moreno, Meha Ahmad
gambling addiction
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a bill signing on June 5, 2019 at the Thompson Center in Chicago. Pritzker has said the state has to be "very much focused" on gambling addiction. Amr Alfiky / Associated Press
gambling addiction
Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a bill signing on June 5, 2019 at the Thompson Center in Chicago. Pritzker has said the state has to be "very much focused" on gambling addiction. Amr Alfiky / Associated Press

How Illinois’ Gambling Bill May Trigger Those Struggling With Addiction

By Nereida Moreno, Meha Ahmad
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By the end of the spring legislative session, Illinois lawmakers had passed bills for the legalization of recreational marijuana, a state budget and sports betting. The whopping 816-page gaming bill, if actualized, could transform Illinois into the gaming capital of the Midwest.

But some people aren’t as excited about that prospect as perhaps Gov. JB Pritzker — whose first budget depends on revenue his administration projects will pour in from gaming.

Morning Shift looks into how Illinois’ gambling expansion bill may trigger those struggling with addiction.   

GUEST: Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ politics reporter

Anita Pindiur, executive director at the Way Back Inn and Grateful House

LEARN MORE: Illinois Gambling Addicts Wary Of Springfield’s Massive Expansion Plans (WBEZ, ProPublica Illinois 6/10/19)