J.B. Pritzker signed a bill Friday, July 24, that officially recognizes gambling disorder as an addiction in Illinois. Gambling disorder is often considered a hidden disease, as the symptoms can be less physically evident than alcohol or drug abuse. A recent investigation by Capitol News Illinois and Illinois Answers project found that people in Illinois lost over $7.7 billion gambling last year. The ability to hide the disease — and the lack of public awareness about it — means people don’t often seek treatment, according to providers who specialize in gambling addiction treatment. “SB 2749 builds on that commitment by strengthening Illinois’ approach to gambling disorder prevention, education and treatment.”