From casinos to video gaming machines to sports betting apps on cell phones, access to gambling has expanded significantly in recent years.
While that has led to increased tax revenue across Illinois, it’s also accompanied by a growing problem: gambling addiction.
Bill Johnson of Bartonville is approaching 50 years in continuous recovery from various addictions.
“When I got sober, back in – we didn’t even talk about gambling addiction back in the mid ’70s, late ’70s. It wasn’t an issue,” said Johnson. “Would I have qualified? I’m not sure. I’m not sure.
“I know the addictions I have are enough for me; I would not like to have more diagnoses, I don’t think. But yeah, I gambled.”
Johnson…
