IllinoisSB2749104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

DHS-GAMBLING DISORDERS

Sponsored By: Julie A. Morrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Expands the Act to include counseling, referral, and other supportive services for persons with gambling disorders. Requires the Department of Human Services to collaborate with the State Board of Education in the development of instructional resources for substance use or gambling disorder prevention and awareness that may be used by school districts. Permits the Department to cooperate with institutions of higher education in the development of programs on substance use and gambling disorders. Requires the Department to establish a toll-free hotline and website that provides crisis counseling and referral services for families experiencing difficulty related to a gambling disorder. Requires the Department to promote public awareness regarding the impact of gambling disorders on individuals, families, and communities. Makes other changes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Hospital care and treatment records protected

State-supported hospitals cannot discriminate in admission or treatment against people who have a substance use or gambling disorder and another medical condition. The law also protects identity, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment records tied to covered services. Federal law still allows some disclosures.

More gambling disorder treatment support

DHS must build community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use and gambling disorders. The gambling program includes a hotline, website, treatment, and recovery support, subject to appropriation. DHS may fund local treatment and response programs. It also encourages insurers to cover evidence-based care, but does not require coverage.

More support for pregnant women and families

Illinois adds gambling disorder services and referrals for pregnant women, mothers, and their children. A Cook County program serves an area with many affected women and a high infant mortality rate. The law also includes pregnant adolescents ages 12 through 18 who have both substance use and gambling disorders in a high-risk group. Funding for treatment strategies is subject to appropriation.

More licensed services for gambling disorders

Licensed treatment providers can add gambling disorder care at any approved treatment level. Licensed recovery homes can add gambling disorder services. Harm reduction can be licensed as an intervention service when the law allows it and delivery rules are in place. Providers must follow DHS standards for gambling disorder services.

Housing loans for people in recovery

DHS may use money appropriated to the Group Home Loan Revolving Fund to make loans that help cover housing costs for people recovering from gambling or substance use disorders. DHS can set loan and repayment rules. Gambling-free recovery residences remain outside DHS licensing, and the state registry lists locations and accreditation status with a disclaimer that DHS does not regulate them. No loan amount is set.

More gambling prevention information

DHS expands public information, research, and training about gambling disorders. It may fund programs for parents, including lessons on healthy gaming and financial planning. Gambling venues and sports betting platforms must show people how to get help. The advisory council also guides prevention efforts, including efforts to prevent gambling by minors.

Youth prevention funds remain available

The law removes the planned transfer of the Youth Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Prevention Fund's remaining money on June 30, 2026, and removes its planned closure and January 1, 2027 repeal. Money from a tax checkoff and specified state laws goes into the Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Fund to support community prevention. The law gives no deposit amounts.

Drug treatment funds get narrower uses

The Drug Treatment Fund receives money under specified state laws. DHS uses the money for purposes listed in those laws. This replaces the fund's stated general authority to make treatment or prevention grants to community groups and nonprofits. The law gives no funding amounts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julie A. Morrison

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Cristina Castro

    Democratic • Senate

  • Daniel Didech

    Democratic • House

  • Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Suzy Glowiak Hilton

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 11

House vote • 5/21/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 11

House vote • 5/6/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Human Services Committee;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/16/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Do Pass as Amended Executive;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Bill Text

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