PEORIA (25News Now) – Millions of dollars will likely be on the line nationwide during one of the biggest sporting events of the year Sunday.

The Illinois Gaming Board reported making $1.7 billion last year from casinos, slot gaming terminals, and sportsbooks statewide. However, another report finds 4% of Illinoisans who gamble have a problem.

The Director of Addiction and Substance Use Services at Trillium Place, Rick Zehr, said it’s important for sports betters to set limits, ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chief matchup. He also said another sign of addiction is when gamers spend time “chasing their losses”, by falling down a betting rabbit hole.

“For short-term impacts, it can be distracting to one’s job, their family, and even to themselves,” said Rick Zehr. “And over a longer period, the person can lose themselves and then lose all of those things.”

The Responsible Gambling Council reports that the 18 to 24 age group is more at risk of developing a problem.

If you or a loved one has a gambling problem, call the hotline at (309)691-1055.

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