Virginians now have many gambling options, including online sports betting, casinos, lotteries, and horse racing.
This expansion has increased the need for addiction treatment, recovery support, and public education in Virginia.
If you are in Virginia and need help with gambling, call the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline now at 1-888-532-3500 for immediate support.
You can also access an online referral form.
This page features a Virginia problem gambling events calendar from VCU’s Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH), offering education, recovery events, and training on gambling harm.
Get Help Now For Gambling Addiction In Virginia
If your gambling is causing stress or anxiety, relationship issues, debt, or other adverse impacts, act now—help is ready and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-532-3500
- Mental health crisis support: Call or text 988
Virginia Problem Gambling Events Calendar
The calendar, managed by VCU’s Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, highlights educational, recovery, and training events for clinicians, recovery specialists, administrators, and the public-health community.
Many of these events are virtual. Click on an event in the calendar to register.
The calendar below is maintained by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health and includes problem gambling education and support-related events.
VCU’s monthly Problem Gambling Lunch and Learn, co-hosted with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and Virginia Office of Addiction, Recovery, and Wellness, is virtual and targets those addressing gambling harm.
The Problem Gambling Lunch and Learn is the last Friday of each month, 12 -1 p.m. EST.
Who Should Use The VPGH Problem Gambling Events Calendar?
VPGH’s calendar of events can be useful for:
- People worried about their gambling
- Family and friends of someone affected
- Clinicians and therapists
- Peer recovery specialists
- College health staff
- Public-health workers
- Faith leaders
- Educators
- Journalists
Why Virginia Needs Gambling Addiction Resources
Virginia has moved quickly from limited legal gambling to a much broader gambling market.
Sports betting is legal in Virginia, and the Virginia Lottery publishes monthly sports wagering activity reports showing how rapidly the industry has grown. About a quarter of Americans have an online betting account.
Casino gambling has also expanded. With easier access, risk is no longer limited to visiting casinos or racetracks. Bets can now be placed from home, work, dorms, or while watching a game.
What Is Problem Gambling?
Experts define problem gambling as gambling behavior that compromises a person’s relationships, work, education, or ability to meet financial obligations.
Problem gambling can involve chasing losses, hiding gambling from family, borrowing money to gamble, or gambling with money needed for bills.
Gambling addiction can affect people who engage in any form of gambling.
Gambling Addiction Treatment In Virginia
The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health at VCU is a comprehensive support resource for Virginians dealing with problem gambling. Its mission is to support recovery, wellness, and community-based solutions for people affected by gambling harm.
Treatment and support may include:
- Screening for gambling disorder
- Referral to trained counselors
- Family support
- Financial counseling
- Self-exclusion from gambling platforms or venues
- Gamblers Anonymous or other peer-support meetings
- Education for loved ones
Signs You May Need Gambling Help
You may need support if gambling is causing any of the following:
- You keep betting even though you promised yourself you would quit.
- You chase losses after a bad session.
- You use credit cards, loans, or borrowed money to gamble.
- You hide deposits, withdrawals, or betting activity.
- You feel anxious, ashamed, or angry after gambling.
- You gamble to escape stress, depression, or loneliness.
- You have missed work, school, bills, or family obligations because of gambling.
- You feel like gambling is no longer fully under your control.
Source: American Psychiatric Association (APA). For informational purposes only.
Help For Families In Virginia
Gambling addiction rarely harms only the person who gambles. On average, an addiction harms five others.
Families may experience financial and emotional harm. Loved ones can also experience anxiety, anger, betrayal, and fear about the future.
Call the problem gambling helplines for guidance now. Don’t wait—support is ready right now to help you understand gambling disorder, set healthy boundaries, and take action to protect your loved ones and yourself.
Virginia Gambling Addiction FAQ
Where can I get help for gambling addiction in Virginia?
Virginia residents can call the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-532-3500 or 1-800-GAMBLER. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is also available at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Is gambling addiction treatment available in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia has problem gambling treatment and support resources through organizations such as the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health and the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, as well as state behavioral health resources.
What is the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health?
The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) is a VCU-based resource for Virginians seeking support and recovery from problem gambling. It provides education, support, and connections to treatment and recovery resources.
Are there problem gambling events in Virginia?
Yes. VCU’s Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health maintains an events calendar and offers a monthly virtual Problem Gambling Lunch and Learn series.
What number should I call for gambling addiction in Virginia?
Call 1-888-532-3500 for the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline. You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER or the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Can sports betting cause gambling addiction?
Yes. Sports betting can contribute to gambling addiction, especially when betting is frequent, mobile, high-speed, or tied to chasing losses. Microbetting, parlays, and confusing bonus promotions can make it harder for some people to stop.
What should I do if my gambling debt is becoming overwhelming?
Contact a gambling helpline, consider self-exclusion, and seek support from a counselor or financial professional. If the situation involves thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 immediately.
Are online casinos legal in Virginia?
No. Virginia has not legalized real-money online casino sites. The state allows legal online sports betting and online lottery games, while casino gambling is regulated as land-based.
What is the VA gambling hotline number?
The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-888-532-3500. Someone will answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
