As Virginia casinos commence operations and additional sportsbooks become active, a proposition has been put forward by two Virginia General Assembly members to establish a committee dedicated to addressing problem gambling.
HB1465 was introduced by Virginia state Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) and Del. Paul Krizek (D-Mount Vernon) with the aim of creating a Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee. Their intention is to pass this bill and submit it to Gov. Glenn Youngkin for approval.
The oversight of the group would fall under the responsibility of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
“In our pursuit of expanding gaming in Virginia, we must not overlook the negative consequences that accompany it,” stated Reeves in a declaration made on December 27th. He further added:
“We are committed to prioritizing Virginians grappling with gambling addiction. Delegate Krizek and I are thrilled to unveil our bipartisan initiative aimed at ensuring that our state’s gaming regulations adequately allocate funds for identifying, educating, and treating individuals afflicted with this issue.”
About the problem gambling treatment committee
The lawmakers in Virginia desire to establish a committee which:
- collaboratively address the negative consequences of problem gambling by connecting Virginia’s legal gaming operators with prevention and treatment providers.
- Stakeholders are involved, with the gavel at hearings being held by the Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator in the behavioral health department of the state.
Efforts have been made by both the state and national gaming industry to encourage responsible gambling. These initiatives include the establishment of a gaming agreement among sportsbook operators in Virginia and the implementation of a responsible gifting campaign.
Del. Krizek acknowledges that the statistics indicate that there is still work to be done. He specifically highlights the need for further action.
- The recent inauguration of provisional casinos.
- sports betting
- HHR machines, also known as historical horse racing machines.
- Examples of online Virginia Lottery plays are also available.
He stated that with the increasing legalization and expansion of gaming opportunities in Virginia, it is crucial for us to prioritize safeguarding Virginians, particularly the youth, from falling prey to gambling addiction.
According to research on prevention, it has been observed that individuals who start gambling during their teenage years face a greater likelihood of developing gambling-related issues. Moreover, it is worth noting that young adults constitute one of the fastest-growing demographics experiencing problems with gambling.
A week ago, Reeves and Krizek made reference to a 2021 VA Youth Survey in their announcement.
- In the past year, 21% of high school students admitted to participating in gambling activities or placing bets.
- In the past 30 days, 64% of individuals aged 18-25 have engaged in gambling.
The legislators responsible for HB1465 have a history of collaboration. They successfully enacted SB 366 and HB 571, which increased the minimum age for HHR machine betting from 18 to 21 years old.
Resources available for Virginia gamblers
According to Krizek, the accessibility of games of chance has never been greater.
If gambling becomes an issue, there are various forms of assistance available to provide help.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling offers various options, with one standout feature being its partnership with the VA Lottery to provide a confidential and toll-free helpline that operates 24 hours a day, reachable at (888) 532-3500.
You can find additional details about the self-exclusion program on the VA Lottery’s website as well.
The National Council on Problem Gambling is an excellent resource, without a doubt.
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