Virginia Legislators Strive To Create Problem Gambling Committee

Virginia Legislators Introduce Legislation to create a Problem Gambling Committee. They are concerned that expanded gambling will lead to an increase in problem gambling. Online sports betting went live in Virginia in 2021. Rivers Casino in Portsmouth's grand opening on Jan. 15 represents the first permanent casino opening in the state. Hard Rock Bristol is operating out of a temporary location. Just over 20% of high school students gambled or placed a bet over the last year. 64% between the ages of 18 and 25 have gamble in last month.

Legislature meets Wednesday. The 2023 legislative session lasts through Feb. 25. Reeves and Krizek want to create a problem gambling committee. They want the state to focus on the problem of gambling addiction. They had success raising the age of customers who are allowed to wager through historical horse racing machines from 18 to 21 in 2022.