Virginia Council on Problem Gambling - VCPG

12/15/2025

Kick off 2026 by participating in this important conversation about the gamblification of ordinary life in this free webinar on January 8th!

🔗 Register today: b882b2e8-ed34-40c7-9f2b-129d424a4964@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309?fbclid=IwY2xjawOtQqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFicUkxcDJrOGdDenQxNkVPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrOJWU8ZN9QFcIx2HYZ3rUuO7HH4_ZUbysIZLs5ntfZRmJv-xtwdWoU9Od2U_aem_9HA63drotZPMJsukCZkfBQ" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/b882b2e8-ed34-40c7-9f2b-129d424a4964@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309?fbclid=IwY2xjawOtQqlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFicUkxcDJrOGdDenQxNkVPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrOJWU8ZN9QFcIx2HYZ3rUuO7HH4_ZUbysIZLs5ntfZRmJv-xtwdWoU9Od2U_aem_9HA63drotZPMJsukCZkfBQ

Free Webinar‼️

VPGH and Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) are partnering to host Gamblification: The Rise of Nontraditional Betting Platforms with Drs Jeff Marotta and Glenn Yamagata of Problem Gambling Solutions, and Dr. Andrea Dassopoulos of University of Las Vegas. You can find more details in the registration link.

Event Details
📅Date: Thursday, January 8th, 2026
⏰Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
📍Registration Link: b882b2e8-ed34-40c7-9f2b-129d424a4964@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/b882b2e8-ed34-40c7-9f2b-129d424a4964@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309

12/10/2025

Scratchers for kids? Scratch that idea. 🎁 🛑

This holiday season, we're joining the Virginia Lottery in reminding everyone that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for anyone under 18.

What may seem like a harmless stocking stuffer can actually expose kids to gambling at an early age and increase the risk of future problem gambling.

🔗 Thank you to WVVA News for shining the spotlight on this important campaign: www.wvva.com/2025/12/08/scratchers-kids-scratch-that-idea-adults-warned-against-giving-lottery-tickets-children/

12/06/2025

Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, given by an adult who is likely unaware of the associated risks.

This holiday season, remember to !

Lottery tickets aren’t child’s play.

12/03/2025

Can you recognize the symptoms of problem gambling?

⚠️ Increasing preoccupation with gambling
⚠️ A need to bet more money more frequently
⚠️ Restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses
⚠️ Loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences
⚠️ In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even su***de

📱 If you or someone you know needs support or is struggling with gambling, please call or text our 24/7 Helpline at 1.888.532.3500.

www.vcpg.net

11/28/2025

Did you know that the earlier a child is exposed to gambling, the more likely they are to have a gambling problem later in life?

One way children can be exposed to gambling is by receiving a lottery product as a holiday 🎁.

This holiday season, join us in educating our communities and raising awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign.

✔️ Remember, lottery tickets aren’t for kids!

11/26/2025

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we want to thank our members, community partners, and counselors for their ongoing support to advance our mission and support Virginians each day. Your work and impact changes lives!

📞 If you or someone you know needs support over the holiday or is struggling with a gambling problem, please call or text 1-888-532-3500. Help is available 24/7!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

11/19/2025

Hope lives here: Inspiring stories of courage beyond problem gambling!

Elizabeth Childress, a Peer Recovery Specialist with the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, opens up about her personal experiences with gambling, addiction and her path to recovery in this impactful, new video.

Hear her story of resilience and courage, and be reminded that recovery is always possible.

www.vcpg.net

11/17/2025

We would love to invite you to join us at Stronger Together: Support for Loved Ones and Affected Others. This group is hosted by VPGH Network Clinician, Tammy Muir and VPGH Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Lisa Cochran. This group will provide support for loved ones of individuals experiencing gambling related harm.

🗓️ When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Via Zoom

This group is open to Virginia residents. Click the link below to register and join us:
🔗 https://form.jotform.com/250916051419151

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Today and every day, we honor our nation's veterans for their bravery, service and selfless sacrifice.

On this Veterans Day, we would also like to raise awareness of problem gambling in the veteran community as up to 34% of veterans may have problems caused by gambling behaviors.

Help is available!📱 Hear from gamblers in recovery, speak with an expert about your concerns, and get general information and support by calling or texting our confidential and toll-free, 24/7 helpline at 1.888.532.3500.

For more information and resources, visit: www.vcpg.net

11/04/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Virtual Problem Gambling Advocacy Day last week to advocate for problem gambling research, prevention, education, treatment and funding!

The government might still be shut down, but NCPG’s Problem Gambling Advocacy Day wasn’t shut out!

Today, Advocates from across the country attended virtual meetings with their Senators and Representatives to highlight the importance of developing strong public policies on problem gambling and securing funding for prevention, education, and treatment services.

📸: Participants showing off their official NCPG Advocate pins before their meetings

10/30/2025

As a Platinum Member of VCPG, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol demonstrates their commitment to our mission and advancing responsible gaming in Virginia.

www.vcpg.net

10/27/2025

This summer, our Helpline saw a record-high 92% 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 compared to last year — a clear sign that as gambling becomes more accessible, the need for support grows.

📈 From June–August 2024 to June–August 2025:
June: +128%
July: +88%
August: +67%

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re reminded that our mission and work to advance research, funding, awareness, and support for those affected by problem gambling is more critical than ever.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.
📞 Call, text, or chat 24/7: 1-888-532-3500 (It's free & Confidential)