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Special recognition promoting March 2020 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Lake County joins NICASA Behavioral Health Services, the National Council on Problem Gambling, and the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling in promoting March 2020 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, problem gambling is a public health issue affecting millions of Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in all communities and has significant societal and economic costs; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, over $100 million was spent in Lake County on video gaming, and since video gaming was adopted in Lake County, over $450 million has been spent, according to the Illinois Gaming Board. Currently, there are over 300 establishments in Lake County with over 1,500 video gaming terminals; and
WHEREAS, promoting National Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about the social and financial effectiveness of services available for problem gambling; and
WHEREAS, problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is effective in minimizing harm to both individuals, business owners, and society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Lake County residents can find resources, including counseling, treatment, self-help and support groups by calling 211, contacting the state’s 24-hour helpline at 800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), or sending at text to ILGAMB at 53342; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has led the way in funding various social service agencies to help prevent and mitigate the social costs of problem gambling.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that March 2020 is designated as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Lake County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED that the Lake County Board advocates for responsible policymaking, research, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling and encourages all residents to have a dialogue about problem gambling.
DATED in Waukegan, Illinois on March 10, 2020.