Gambling Awareness Program

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What is Gambling?
Gambling involves wagering money or valuables on events with uncertain outcomes, primarily driven by chance. It includes activities like casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and online gaming. While it can offer entertainment and the thrill of potential rewards, gambling also carries significant risks.
Signs of Gambling Problems

Recognizing these signs early can help in seeking appropriate support and intervention.

  1. Constantly thinking about gambling
  2. Increasing the amount of money when gambling
  3. Trying to quit or control gambling habits
  4. Feeling restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down
  5. Using gambling to relax or forget about problems
  6. Chasing losses by gambling more to win back the money
  7. Lying about not gambling or how much money was lost
  8. Family and friends speaking up about gambling problems
  9. Skipping work or stop responsibilities because of gambling
  10. Stealing money to make bets
  11. Relying on others for financial bailouts due to gambling losses

MAHA’s Gambling Awareness and Prevention Program (GAP)

Our program aims to expand awareness of gambling and prevent gambling addiction in Illinois. Supported by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SURP), GAP offers community outreach and education, addiction screenings, and referral services for counseling and treatment.

GAP Goals/Activities

  • Increase Knowledge: Raise awareness and impact of problem gambling and gambling addiction through social media and workshops. Encourage safe gambling practices and setting personal limits.
  • Providing Support and Resources: Offer counseling, helplines, and support groups for those affected. Distribute information and resources via partnerships.
  • Community Engagement: Foster open discussions about gambling and addiction within communities.

Get Involved

  • Data Collection: Help gather data on gambling behavior and problem gambling in your community.
  • Collaboration: Work together on community outreach and intervention best practices.
  • Awareness: Spread the word and share resources to educate others.

Fill out our gambling behavior survey

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Want more information or get help for gambling problems from MAHA?

We can provide help or counseling in English and Chinese!

Contact Us

Phone: 312-248-8601

Email: Wenjia Deng ([email protected])

Address: 218 W 26th ST Chicago, IL 60616

Not located in Chicago? You can find help near you!

Go to Illinois Helpline

Call: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Or Text “GAMB” at 833234

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Resources