On April 19, 2023, Governor Glenn Younkin of Virginia signed Senate Bill 836 that establishes the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The group is charged with establishing a comprehensive program for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling in the Commonwealth and administering the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund that was established by Code of Virginia 37.2-314.2. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2023.
The Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund is established by the State Comptroller. At the end of each fiscal year, money contributed to the fund as well as any interest accrued will not revert to the state general fund but stay in the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. Money in the fund is earmarked and can only be used for the following purposes:
- Providing counseling and other support services for compulsive and problem gamblers.
- Developing and implementing compulsive and problem gambling treatment and prevention programs.
- Providing grants for support organizations that provide assistance to compulsive and problem gamblers. (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/37.2-314.2/)
There are currently four brick-and-mortar casinos in Virginia, along with legalized pari-mutuel betting at historical horse racing machines. In 2020 Virginia also legalized both in-person and online sports betting.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling operates a helpline for those who need assistance related to gambling disorder that can be reached at: 1-888-532-3500.
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