PEORIA (25News Now) – Sunday’s NFL title game is expected to bring $23 billion in bets.

According to a study done by Health Resources in Action, around 68% of adults in Illinois have gambled within the past year.

Sports betting is a growing problem for men ages 21-34, and the marketing is hard to miss.

The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling is an organization created to aid people suffering from gambling addictions.

Bill Johnson, the Executive Director Emeritus, says the organization doesn’t have a position on sports betting, but it should be used for entertainment and not as a source of income.

“One of the personal experiences I had was my so was when sports betting first became legal, he won $1,000 the first time he did it. That scared me to death,” Johnson said.

In Central Illinois, there are resources for addicts to receive counseling and eventual rehabilitation.

Licensed Professional Counselor and Therapist for Carle Bromenn Medical Center’s Addiction Recovery, Keith Jihan, says some common symptoms of addiction are spending more money than intended, more time gambling and having higher debts than usual.

“There’s no limit to the havoc that a gambling disorder can bring,” said Jihan.

According to Carle Health Proctor Hospital’s Addiction Recovery Center, gambling addictions can take a toll on one’s mental and physical health.

“When someone engages in gambling, they’re really releasing that dopamine. it changes the brain chemistry and they’re getting that rush. They could be chasing a big win,” said the Director of Addiction and Substance Use, Amanda Arrowsmith.

Depending on the severity of one’s case, Arrowsmith says patients are treated with residential treatments, outpatient treatments, or referred to community resources such as Gambler’s Anonymous.

Arrowsmith says the focus on money and debts could lead to people not taking care of their bodies, draining them physically.

If you or a loved one has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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