Virginia Responsible Gambling Commission develops resources as industry rapidly grows
The newly formed Virginia Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee will begin meeting next month with the goal of developing resources to help people who cannot control their gambling.
Virginia will legalize commercial casino gambling in five cities in 2020, including Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville and Bristol. Since then, casinos, either permanent or temporary gaming facilities, have opened in Bristol, Portsmouth and Danville.
The Casino Act 2020 further brings sports betting into the regulatory environment, with betting operators allowed to accept in-person and online bets.
Virginia lawmakers already expanded gambling in 2018 by authorizing historic horse racing (HHR). Pari-mutuel machines are available at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent and at six off-track betting shops.
While the Virginia Commission on Problem Gambling operates a toll-free gambling hotline (1-888-532-3500) to assist players who have lost control of their betting, the state's 2020 casino law requires the creation of a dedicated state agency to address problem gambling. Maintain a comprehensive gambling plan.
The statute clearly states that the purpose of the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund is to establish “a comprehensive program for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling in the Commonwealth.” The account is funded by gambling taxes on casino gambling and sports betting.
Organizational Preparation
Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly sent Senate Bill 836 to the desk of Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), who signed it into law. The legislation formally established the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Council. The law takes effect on July 1.
SB 836 Directs the Board to work with mental health and problem gambling experts to develop preventative protective measures and resources for affected individuals. Additionally, the agency should promote collaboration between treatment providers and legal gambling operators.
Anne Rogers has been appointed chair of the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee. Rogers is the problem gambling prevention coordinator for the Virginia Office of Behavioral Health.
Other committee members include Drs. Carolyn Hawley, executive director of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. The agency is a nonprofit organization supported by several gaming companies invested in the Commonwealth, including Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, Barstool Sports and Colonial Downs.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling is dedicated to raising awareness of the potential harms of excessive gambling. The organization takes a neutral stance on gambling.
Other committee members include Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kelly Gee, Virginia Horse Racing Commission Executive Director David Lermond, Rivers Casino Portsmouth Director of Compliance Colleen Carraccio and DraftKings Senior Manager of Responsible Gaming Julie Hynes.
Problem Gambling Data
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that approximately 1% of the U.S. adult population meets the criteria for a serious gambling problem. The Washington-based nonprofit estimates that four to six million more people suffer from mild or moderate gambling disorder.
As the gambling industry continues to expand rapidly in Virginia and across the United States, responsible gambling officials are worried about potential rate increases. As sports betting and online gambling continue to grow, NCPG CEO Keith Whyte said earlier this year that “youth gambling has become a significant and growing public health issue.”
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Source: www.casino.org
