The Virginia Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee was formed recently. It will start meeting in a few days, intending to generate resources that it will use to aid gambling addicts.
The state’s legislature formed the gambling agency, and it will start creating responsible gaming programs that will help residents who have lost control of their gambling urges. Virginia allowed commercial casino gambling in five cities in 2020.
They included Richmond, Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. Since then, temporary and permanent casinos have launched in Danville, Portsmouth, and Bristol.
Virginia’s 2020 Casino law also allowed sports wagering. Its Legislature had previously allowed historical horse racing (HHR) in 2018. Six off-track gambling parlors and New Kent’s Colonial Downs Racetrack have pari-mutuel betting machines.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling issued a toll-free betting hotline through which gambling addicts can reach it. The 2020 gaming law necessitated the creation of a competent state agency that will develop a comprehensive program.
It adds that the Commonwealth should have a comprehensive program to treat and prevent problem gambling. Also, the Problem Gaming Treatment and Support Funds should be created while sports gambling and gaming taxes will finance the account.
More About the State Agency
Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Senate Bill 836 a few months ago after the Virginia General Assembly forwarded it to his office. The legislation formed the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee and will start being implemented on July 1.
It requires the gambling committee to partner with problem gambling and mental health specialists to develop resources and safeguards for betting addicts. Also, the agency needs to enhance partnerships between licensed gambling operators and treatment providers.
Anne Rogers was selected as the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee’s chair. Still, he is the Virginia Office of Behavioral Health Wellness’ problem gambling prevention coordinator.
Dr. Carolyn Hawley is the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling’s executive director. A few gaming operators in the Commonwealth, including Colonial Downs, Barstool Sports, DraftKings, and Caesars Entertainment, help the non-profit agency.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling educates the state’s residents on the adverse effects of uncontrolled gambling. But, it holds a neutral position in the practice.
Other committee members are Kelly Gee (Virginia Lottery’s Executive Director), Julie Hynes (DraftKings’ Senior Manager of Responsible Gaming), Colleen Carraccio (Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s Director of Compliance), and David Lermond (Virginia Racing Commission’s Executive Secretary).
Problem Gambling Is a Major Concern in the State
Statistics from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) indicate that 1 percent of the country’s adult population has a serious gambling concern. The council adds that about six million adults have a moderate or mild betting disorder.
Virginia and other states are experiencing rapid gaming expansion of late. But gaming experts are concerned that the high rates might increase problem gambling. Keith Whyte, NCPG’s Executive Director, claims that gambling is a major public health concern among the youth.
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