Find answers to common questions about problem gambling, including warning signs, risks, available resources and where to find help in Virginia.
FAQs
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling (sometimes referred to as gambling addiction or gambling disorder) is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career. Anyone who gambles can be at risk for developing a gambling problem. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health diagnosis.
Some warning signs of a gambling problem are:
- Thinking about gambling all the time.
- Feeling the need to bet more money and more often.
- Going back to try to win your money back (chasing losses).
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down.
- Feeling like you cannot control yourself.
- Gambling despite negative consequences.
- In extreme cases, problem gambling can cause bankruptcy, legal problems, losing your job or your family, and thinking about suicide.
For more information on the American Psychiatric Association criteria for gambling addiction, visit DSM 5 at www.psych.org.
Where can I get help for problem gambling in Virginia?
Virginia residents can access services and resources to get help for problem gambling by completing the online VPGH referral form. If you need immediate assistance you can call the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 888-532-3500.
Who is at risk for problem gambling?
Problem gambling does not discriminate and can impact anyone who gambles regardless of economic, social, cultural or levels of education. Anyone who gambles can develop a gambling problem. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing a gambling addiction. Genetics, environment, medical history and age may all play a role.
Isn’t problem gambling just a financial problem?
No. Problem gambling is an emotional problem that has financial and other consequences. Even if the person pays off their gambling debts, they can still have other problems caused by gambling. The only way to overcome problem gambling is to change harmful gambling habits, and social support and encouragement are a crucial part of that change.
How much money do you have to lose before gambling becomes a problem?
The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes problematic. While gambling can cause financial problems, it is not the only warning sign of a gambling problem. When gambling is interfering with an individual’s relationships, job, mental or physical health or any other area of life it is a problematic behavior.
Can children and teenagers develop gambling problems?
Children and teens are at higher risk than adults for developing a gambling problem. Additionally, individuals who start gambling at a young age are also more likely to develop a gambling addiction later in life.
What does neutral stance mean?
VCPG is neither for nor against legalized gambling. Whether gambling is legal is a decision made by elected officials and the citizens they represent. Our focus is on minimizing gambling-related harm through awareness, prevention, treatment, recovery support, and safer gambling initiatives.
What types of gambling cause harm?
Any type of gambling can become problematic. However, some types of gambling do have certain characteristics that may make gambling problems worse. Things like high speed of play, large bet sizes, frequent participation and engaging in many types of gambling are all associated with higher rates of gambling problems.
What is the responsibility of the gambling industry?
Every gambling operator has a responsibility to develop policies and programs to address underage and problem gambling issues. At a minimum such measures should include training employees, tools for players to limit the time and amount of money bet, providing easy access to win and loss statements, information on odds, randomness and gambling myths and facts, self exclusion programs, and support for organizations like VCPG.
Are prediction markets considered gambling?
VCPG believes that trading an event contract on a prediction market is functionally gambling, regardless of how it is legally defined. As such, these activities carry real risk of gambling-related harm and must include strong, consistent consumer protections.
Are there problem gambling events in Virginia?
Yes. The best way to keep up with problem gambling events in Virginia is to subscribe to our newsletter. You can also access our events calendar, which is frequently updated with new opportunities.