Gaming and Gambling

While most adults can participate in gambling activities and not develop any problems, it is estimated that 2-6% of adults may develop problems due to gambling, including developing a gambling disorder. Disordered Gambling, just like most addictions, causes negative consequences in one’s life because of the inability to stop. A person can develop an addiction to any form of gambling including cards, casino games, sports betting, lottery, etc. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this addiction, such as accessibility, social acceptance, and being a younger person. With the 2020 changes in Virginia’s gambling laws and policies, an increase in the accessibility and acceptance of participating in different gambling methods has occurred across the Commonwealth, normalizing these activities in communities.

Virginia legally allows state-run lottery, casino gaming, sports betting, horse racing, historical horse racing, and charitable gaming. After 2020 laws legalizing new forms of betting and a portion of state revenues being devoted to addressing the problems that may occur with an increase in gambling access, the Problem Gambling Prevention Program was created. This program is responsible for dissemination of funding and oversight of problem gambling:

  • Assessment
  • Building capacity
  • Using data driven decision-making to plan services
  • Implementation of strategies that provide education, information dissemination, community-based processes, and environmental change
  • Evaluation of processes and practices

The program works with the 40 Community Service Boards (CSBs) to deliver services and in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, the Virginia Lottery and Gaming Department, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Racing Commission and the Virginia State Police.

For additional information about the Viriginia Problem Gambling Prevention Program, contact the State Coordinator Anne Rogers at anne.rogers@dbhds.virginia.gov.

View Gaming and Gambling Reports and Resources

If you or someone you know are experiencing problems from Gambling, please call, text or chat for free confidential help 24/7 at:

Call: 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-888-532-3500 OR
1-800-MY –RESET or 1-800-697-3738
Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org
Text: 800GAM

Gaming and Gambling Initiatives

Beyond the Bet

Beyond the Bet campaign is an initiative created by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Omni Institute, and workgroup members that consisted of various prevention staff from Community Service Boards (CSBs) across the state.

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Virgina’s Youth Problem Gaming and Gambling Prevention Curriculum

Education about gaming and gambling at an early age can help prevent problematic mental and behavioral health concerns throughout life. The Virginia Department of Education (DOE) has identified guidelines for Problem Gambling education that every student will need to learn to help prevent any issues with gaming or gambling along with other mental and behavioral health outcomes.

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