Virginia is taking a big step in the fight against problem gambling. State lawmakers announced that the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee will begin work on July 1st. This committee has been created to offer better support and resources for people struggling with issues with gambling in Virginia.
It is part of SB836, signed into law by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves. The main goal of this measure is to prevent gambling addiction and provide assistance to those who are already battling it.
Youth Gambling On The Rise In Virginia
Reeves recently mentioned that youth gambling rates have been increasing in Virginia. In April, he released a statement referring to Virginia’s annual youth survey, which showed that almost two-thirds of Virginians between the ages of 18 and 25 had gambled in March.
Reeves expressed his concern about the impact of gambling on young people. He mentioned that the Virginia Problem Gambling Hotline has experienced a 143% increase in calls over the past few years, indicating the seriousness of the issue.
The 2021 Virginia Youth Survey revealed that 21% of high school students reported placing bets in the past year. Additionally, 65% of young adults aged 18-25 stated that they had gambled within the 30 days preceding the survey.
Considering that young people are engaging in gambling at early ages and with the availability of 15 online sports betting platforms, the bill focusing on responsible gambling resources is timely.
What The Committee Hopes To Accomplish
Starting July 1st, the committee will be tasked with providing better resources for responsible gambling in the state. It will be made up of state regulators who will be responsible for overseeing various sectors of gambling, including:
- The lottery
- Casinos
- Sports betting
- Horse racing
- Charitable gaming
This committee will collaborate with various groups with the same interests in addressing problem gambling.
Additionally, the state will appoint representatives from each of these gambling sectors, as well as a representative from the non-profit organization, called the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. The committee will also include the executive director of a local community services board and the state’s problem gambling prevention coordinator.
The problem gambling prevention coordinator will be a part of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, which is a state agency focused on addressing addiction, suicide, and other mental health concerns.
Additional Responsible Gambling Efforts Virginia Will Take
Apart from this new committee, Virginia already has other treatment resources commonly found in most states. These include a self-exclusion program offered by the Virginia Lottery, which allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from placing wagers for a specific period of time. This program also ensures that they are not targeted with promotional materials from gambling companies.
Moreover, Virginia has a hotline for problem gambling assistance, and Gamblers Anonymous meetings are available for those seeking support.
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