Gambling Disorder Committee Minutes 01.29.2021

  • Meeting was held via Zoom video-conference.
  • Committee members and guests in attendance by phone or video conference were welcomed.
    • Members in attendance were: Co-Chairs Anita Pindiur & Elizabeth Thielen, Nick Lurz, Ciunal Lewis (on at 10:54 am), Catherine McNealy, Gene O'Shea, and Robert Stockham, Rodney Walker.
    • Guests in attendance were: Hannah Carliner and Kellie Gage
  • The October 30, 2020 minutes, previously sent to Committee members, were displayed on the screen, and summarized verbally for the group. There were no suggested revisions, and the minutes were unanimously approved.
  • The group discussed that Co-Chairs completed the requisite training on the Open Meetings Act, and this committee will follow OMA, including (but not limited to) ensuring a quorum for any meeting in which action will be taken, sharing meeting agendas and meeting information in advance, posting meeting minutes, recording meetings, and allowing for meetings to be observed and for input from attendees.
  • Previously made recommendations were reviewed, with the recommendation related to wide-scale training of the criminal justice system being examined more closely.
    • Potential recommendations related to how helpline information is displayed in gambling advertisements and putting guidelines in place regarding the role of the clinician in self-excluded individuals seeking removal from the Illinois Gaming Boards Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (VSEP) were discussed. Further clarification regarding how guidelines are made regarding helpline information on advertisements is needed before any recommendations will be made related to this. It was emphasized that the Gambling Prevalence study, currently in progress, will likely yield information that can contribute to meaningful future recommendations.
  • There was no further update regarding VSEP following the above stated discussion.
  • Hannah Carliner updated the group on the progress of the statewide Gambling Prevalence study, and that surveys are slated to launch in mid-February or March. This committee, as well as state providers and other statewide organizations are asked to help get participants for the survey and focus groups. Recruitment fliers will be provided to assist in this effort.
  • The group discussed events scheduled throughout the state for March, National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). It was stressed that this being a statewide and collaborative effort, as well as being primarily in virtual format will maximize the impact and offer consistent messaging. A state proclamation (naming March Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois) is being sought in coordination with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling. A number of workshops, both for providers and general community, are being organized, as are screening days and public awareness efforts at various agencies for their own staff, persons served, and communities. Promotional materials and brochures are available at the DHS office and can be provided, not just to providers, but to others seeking to share information. To arrange for pick-up, please contact Kellie Gage at: Kellie.Gage@illinois.gov
  • The next meeting will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 10:30 am at: