DECATUR, Ill. – A team of six students presented a comprehensive research project this fall examining gambling behaviors and risk factors across Illinois, offering actionable insights to leaders at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
As part of their MBA capstone course in , students Anthony Ezeanyim, Wasiu Lawal, Hannah Dick, Emmy Nyquist, Guy Gahungu, and Grace Hadican analyzed data from the 2021 Illinois Statewide Gambling Assessment. Their client-facing presentation was delivered to Dr. Kellie Gage, Program Manager for Statewide Gambling Disorder Treatment Services for IDHS.
Focusing on Vulnerable Populations
The students divided their research into three major demographic areas: Illinois seniors age 65 and older, adults living in Chicago, and Latinx communities, both inside and outside Cook County. Using chi-square tests, regression analysis, and demographic mapping, the team explored how gambling frequency, age of first gambling experience, income, and access to gambling options intersect with financial and mental-health outcomes.
Among seniors, the group found higher gambling participation in urban areas, particularly in Chicago. While correlations between gambling activity and negative outcomes were generally weak, earlier age of first gambling was associated with higher gambling frequency later in life. The students recommended increased financial education and expanded social opportunities as preventive strategies for older adults.
Chicago: Awareness Does Not Always Lead to Help
Focusing on Chicago residents who believed they might have a gambling problem, the research uncovered a significant gap between awareness and treatment. While nearly two-thirds of respondents acknowledged a potential gambling issue, only a small percentage reported speaking with a mental-health professional.
The students shared that many individuals appear to rely on informal support systems, such as family or friends, rather than professional services. Their recommendations emphasized early screening in healthcare and community settings, normalizing conversations about gambling within mental-health services, and expanding outreach to underserved groups.
Latinx Communities and Economic Risk
The third portion of the project examined gambling behaviors within Latinx communities, with particular attention to income levels and exposure to video gaming terminals (VGTs). The students found that lower-income Latinx households, especially outside Cook County, were more likely to experience problem or pathological gambling behaviors.
Although proximity to VGTs was not statistically significant in the final regression model, the team highlighted Illinois’ high density of gaming terminals and the ease of access in many communities. Their recommendations included bilingual outreach campaigns, culturally relevant financial literacy programming, and partnerships with trusted community organizations to improve awareness and access to support services.
Performance Learning with Real-World Impact
Following the presentation, Gage praised the students for their rigorous analysis and practical recommendations, noting that many of their findings align with trends IDHS is now observing statewide. She also invited the group to consider presenting their work to a broader audience of gambling-service providers in early 2026.
For the students, the project exemplified Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s Performance Learning model – applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges – while contributing important insights to public policy and community well-being.
