Central Virginia fourth most affected area in Virginia Council on Problem Gambling’s 2023 report

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling released a report highlighting gambling statistics in the state as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March.

In the council’s report, Central Virginia was shown as the fourth most affected area for problem gambling out of nine areas in the state, with a reported 10% of problem gambling.

The council defines problem gambling as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.

According to the council, the top three forms of gambling in Virginia in 2023 were slot machines at a casino or track, sports and skill games. Slot machines were the top form of gambling in Virginia.

The councilalso reported 10,608 total calls were made to their helpline in 2023, which was a 20% increase compared to 2022. Of these calls, 29% were connected directly to a problem gambling treatment provider.

Prominent financial ramifications reported from the callers’ experiences of problem gambling included spending all of their extra money or savings, being late on bills, borrowing money from friends and family and incurring additional credit card debt.

The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline is a free, 24-hour service that refers callers to peer recovery specialists experienced in gambling or substance use. Those in need of reaching the helpline can call 1-888-532-3500.