This week, the Virginia Senate approved a new legislation that aims to enhance problem gambling safeguards within the state.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed Senate Bill 836 into law, which will take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislation marks a significant milestone in Virginia’s commitment to offering abundant responsible gambling support.
What does the new Virginia problem gambling law mean?
The main objective of Senate Bill 836 is to instruct the commissioner of behavioral health and developmental services to create and sustain a Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee. This committee aims to foster cooperation between gaming operators and prevention and treatment providers, with the ultimate aim of mitigating the adverse consequences associated with problem gambling.
According to State Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania), the primary objective of the law is to combat gambling addiction and offer assistance to individuals facing this challenge, as stated in the Culpeper Star Exponent.
According to Virginia Mercury, recent findings have prompted the legislation, with one such finding being the Virginia Problem Gambling Hotline experiencing a 143% surge in calls over the past three years.
Legislative efforts to enhance problem gambling safeguards were further motivated by the results of the 2021 VA Youth Survey. According to the survey, 21% of high school students acknowledged engaging in gambling or betting activities within the previous year. Furthermore, among young adults aged 18-25, a significant 65% reported gambling within the 30 days leading up to the survey.
Reeves expressed his sincere gratitude for Governor Youngkin’s support in this endeavor. As a father, he deeply laments the negative impact that gambling has had on our young population and the accompanying hardships it brings.
Why pass Senate Bill 836 now?
At a time when Virginia’s gambling industry is witnessing rapid growth, a new law has been introduced. The Bristol Casino, which was established in the location of an abandoned mall last year, will soon be transformed into the Hard Rock Casino. Virginia has approved the development and opening of five properties in total, with Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond being the other cities on the list.
Next up on the schedule is Danville, where Caesars is anticipating an opening in July. However, the casino is currently facing challenges in recruiting enough staff to fulfill the essential roles for its operations. In the meantime, there are individuals in Richmond who propose that Petersburg should be considered for a casino, given the difficulties encountered in advancing the Richmond project.
Virginia has an extensive range of retail options available, and this is just a glimpse. The state boasts an impressive selection of 15 legal and regulated sports betting apps, with renowned brands such as DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars.
DK Horse recently introduced a novel online horse race betting platform for players residing in Virginia.
In brief, Virginia has embraced various new forms of gambling wholeheartedly. Despite the numerous benefits, such as increased tax revenue, there remains a worry about problem gambling. It seems only logical for the state to establish a committee to tackle these concerns, considering its unwavering commitment to the expansion of the gambling industry.
If you are at least 21 years old and currently located in Virginia, and if you are struggling with a gambling problem, please reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER for assistance.
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