As video gaming machines continue to generate significant revenue for Springfield and the state of Illinois, health experts are raising concerns about the mental toll on players.

Dr. Kami Harless said, “We’ve seen huge jumps in gambling addiction in our community, specifically in our younger population.”

Between January and December 2024, Illinois collected over $800 million from video gaming machines.

In Springfield alone, businesses netted over $52 million, with the city receiving more than $2.5 million.

Despite the financial benefits, health professionals are worried about the addiction risks.

Dr. Ayame Takahashi said, “I have had a few people come in, telling me that substance use isn’t their main problem. They feel gambling is actually what their main problem is.”

Dr. Harless explained that gambling addictions are often linked to substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

She noted the challenge for health providers since gambling addiction was recently re-categorized in the DSM-5, using criteria similar to those for substance use disorders.

“The difficulty we have as healthcare providers is that the research on how to treat these addictions is really lacking,” Dr. Harless said. “They have not been longitudinal. It’s challenging to know how to help and how to treat when these disorders are starting to escalate in our community.”

While the city and state continue to profit, Dr. Takahashi questioned the true cost of the revenue.

“I guess the city is benefitting from the money, but at the same time, you end up paying in a different way,” she said.

Both Dr. Takahashi and Dr. Harless expressed hope that more individuals will seek help for gambling addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a potential gambling addiction, you can contact the hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER or talk to your healthcare provider.