Virginia lawmakers are preparing to expand the state’s response to problem gambling as gambling access continues to grow across the Commonwealth.
Over the past several years, Virginia has introduced new casinos, expanded mobile betting access, and allowed skill games in convenience stores. Health experts and lawmakers say the rapid spread of gambling opportunities has led to a noticeable increase in residents seeking treatment and support.
Carolyn Hawley of Virginia Commonwealth University said calls to the state’s problem gambling helpline have increased sharply as gambling options became more widespread.
“What we’ve seen is as gambling availability has increased in Virginia, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of people who are seeking help,”Hawley says. “If you look at our state’s problem gambling helpline calls, they’ve risen dramatically in recent years, and those who are reaching out are also increasingly younger populations.”
State officials and addiction specialists have raised concerns that younger residents now face greater exposure to gambling through mobile apps and nearby gaming locations. Virginia’s gambling market has expanded quickly since the legalization of sports betting and the approval of several casino developments.
New Advisory Positions Approved
A new measure introduced by Delegate Paul Krizek will expand the state’s advisory committee on problem gambling by adding two new members. The legislation is expected to become law.
Krizek, a Democrat representing Fairfax County, said the additions will strengthen the state’s treatment and prevention efforts. One new seat will go to a recovery specialist, while another will be filled by a law enforcement representative.
“No other addiction has as many suicides as problem gambling does. It’s number one, suicide addiction,” Krizek says. “So, it’s very important that we have as strong a treatment process as possible.”
The advisory committee examines gambling addiction trends and recommends policy responses related to treatment, prevention, and public awareness efforts. Officials expect the new members to participate in the committee’s next meeting in July.
Gambling Expansion Raises Public Health Concerns
Virginia’s gambling growth has created new revenue streams for the state, though addiction experts continue to warn about the social costs connected to easier access to betting.
Researchers and treatment providers have increasingly focused on younger age groups contacting support services. Hawley noted that people seeking assistance through state helplines are becoming younger as online gambling platforms and betting apps become more accessible.
The state’s gambling landscape now includes casinos, legal sports betting, skill games, and smartphone-based wagering platforms. Advocates for stronger addiction services say the pace of expansion requires broader prevention programs and more treatment resources.
Lawmakers supporting the committee changes believe adding professionals with direct recovery experience and law enforcement backgrounds could improve coordination between treatment providers and public agencies.
Virginia officials expect the updated advisory committee structure to take effect ahead of its scheduled July session, when members will continue discussions on gambling addiction trends and support strategies across the state.
Source:
“State lawmakers hope to address the growing amount of problem gambling in Virginia“, wvtf.org, May 7 2026
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