By Pf Staff

Waukegan, IL. – The Lake County Board met on Wednesday, March 13th and voted to name March Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Gambling takes many forms: casino, lottery, video gaming machines, online gambling, sports betting. Those who develop problems can experience depression, anxiety, job loss, divorce, bankruptcy, homelessness and even suicide.
With opportunities to gamble increasing in Lake County, so do the risks to our community members. Most people who choose to gamble are able to do so without significant problems resulting. But, for those who develop a problem, consequences can be devastating.
Lake County has been proactive in allocating resources to prevent and mitigate problems associated with problem gambling. Declaring March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month is just one example of these efforts.
Responding to the needs of the community since 1966, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services has worked closely with Lake County Board to both prevent and treat gambling problems. In conjunction with National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Nicasa is offering free problem gambling screenings, about 15-30 minutes with a helping professional, at various Nicasa offices in Lake County.
Screenings are available for both gamblers and their loved ones, and can be provided in English or Spanish. Further, Nicasa’s Highland Park office began offering drop-in hours every Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm beginning March 7th, so anyone interested in free screening or just learning more can drop by. Free presentations about responsible gambling and problem gambling are free to any interested group.
For more information about this, or other gambling services, call 847-546-6450 or email . Services are made possible by funding and support from Lake County and from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.
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