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CHICAGO — Illinois is launching a new state website aimed at helping people affected by gambling addictions.

The Illinois Department of Human Services on Monday announced the website WeKnowtheFeeling.org .

The website connects people to treatment and provides a place for people to share their stories.

Illinois already operates a hotline for people with gambling problems. Deputy Governor Sol Flores says Illinois’ 24-hour hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, receives thousands of calls each month. Flores says “we hope to see a large number of people utilize our website the same way.”

The new website comes as gambling is expanding across the nation. In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is looking to expanded sports betting to help close a multibillion-dollar state budget hole.

The Legislature would first have to legalize expanded wagering.

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