With betting access on the rise, Kane County Health Department to host webinar on gambling and substance use
The Kane County Health Department is hosting a webinar to address the intersection of gambling and substance use disorders amid rising online betting access.Summary
Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson reports a dramatic increase in gambling access, particularly through online platforms and video gambling machines. In response, the department is launching awareness efforts, including a webinar on May 18 in partnership with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling. The event will cover the connection between gambling and substance use, shared risk factors, trauma, and recovery strategies. State data indicates 68% of Illinois adults gamble annually, with 3.8% experiencing a problem. Isaacson notes that online gambling lowers barriers to participation and may introduce youth to addictive behaviors. The county has casinos in Aurora and Elgin, along with over 1,000 video gambling terminals. The department aims to provide resources and reduce stigma, encouraging community service providers to better understand these issues.
(Source：Chicago Tribune)