A coalition of three South Virginia organizations has united to raise awareness about problem gambling across the state. The Southern Virginia Problem Gambling Cooperative (SVPGC) is taking steps to educate residents on the risks of gambling. The group includes the Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board, Southside Behavioral Health, and Piedmont Community Services.
The group’s focus is to inform the public about gambling dangers before addiction develops. Tyler Bushong, community coordinator for SVPGC, says, “We aim to stop problem gambling before it becomes more serious.”
SVPGC formed in response to the growing number of gambling options available, rather than just the rise of local casinos like Caesars Virginia in Danville.
Virginia’s Expanding Gambling Landscape
Gambling options in Virginia have expanded rapidly. This includes the launch of online lotteries in 2020 and the legalization of sports betting in 2021. Caesars Virginia opened temporarily in 2023 and plans to expand into a full-scale casino soon. While casinos are the most visible form of gambling, SVPGC aims to raise awareness about other types of gambling.
Activities like bingo, raffles, and mobile game purchases can also lead to addiction. Dominick Grembi, a prevention program manager, says many people don’t recognize these as forms of gambling. The cooperative wants to educate residents about these hidden risks.
Virginia allocated $2 million for problem gambling resources in 2023, which is below the national average of $3.1 million, based on data from the National Center for Responsible Gaming and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health.
Concerns Over Sports Betting Ads
SVPGC has expressed concerns about the rise in sports betting, which became legal in Virginia in 2021. Bushong notes that sports betting ads are everywhere, making it seem harmless. He believes that people need to be aware of the risks before they develop a problem.
Some states, like New York, have restricted sports betting ads. However, Virginia has not yet followed suit, though there is growing pressure at the federal level for change.
Partnering with Caesars Virginia
While SVPGC wasn’t formed because of Caesars Virginia, it plans to work with the casino to promote responsible gambling. Caesars has taken steps to provide resources, such as brochures and disclaimers in their advertisements.
Caesars expects to open its full-scale casino later this year, featuring over 1,300 slot machines, 85 table games, and a 320-room hotel. The casino will also include Ramsay’s Kitchen, a restaurant by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, which will seat 250 guests.