Virginia Council on Problem Gambling - VCPG

03/30/2026

A look back at the 3rd Annual Problem Gambling & Gaming Prevention Conference in Abingdon, VA!

With over 120 attendees, this year’s conference was a powerful reminder of how community engagement, prevention and action can make a difference.

Some key takeaways:

* Screenings matter: Not just in the community, but also at doctor visits, counseling sessions and other points of contact.

* Reaching young males: Recent data shows they are increasingly affected, highlighting the need for targeted outreach and awareness.

* Community efforts lead to real change: Engaging our communities and working together can truly shift outcomes for individuals and families.

👏 A big thank you to the Region 3 West Wellness Council and everyone who joined us in advancing problem gambling prevention in Virginia!

03/24/2026

Dr. Carolyn Hawley is a national leader in problem gambling research, helping shape policy, expand treatment access, and train behavioral health professionals to better recognize what was once overlooked.

Her journey began in the VCU Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences - College of Health Professions, where she learned to analyze systems, ask better questions, and examine data carefully. Today, she plays a leading role in how systems respond as access to gambling expands through online platforms and sports betting.

Full story: https://buff.ly/8ASOoI6

03/18/2026

When young people are exposed to gambling early, the impact can extend far beyond adolescence.

It can lead to long-term challenges with decision-making, financial health and overall well-being.

During Problem Gambling Awareness Month, raising awareness about the risks of gambling-related harm is more important than ever.

By starting the conversation today, we can help build healthier futures for tomorrow.

www.vcpg.net

03/16/2026

Willard Robertson, VCPG's Executive Director, recently joined David McGee, editor of the Bristol Herald Courier, on the Beyond Bylines podcast to discuss problem gambling, how to recognize the warning signs and where individuals and families can find help.

🎙️ Thank you to David for hosting this important conversation during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

🎧 Listen using the link in the comments below!

03/12/2026

As we recognize Problem Gambling Awareness Month, join the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health and VCPG for the Virginia Symposium on Problem Gambling!

📅 March 27, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💻 Virtual & Free

This program features:

• A Keynote Presentation: “The State of Play: Expanded Gambling, Gambling Policy, and Problem Gambling Implications in Virginia” by Brianne Doura-Schawohl

• An Interactive Panel Discussion with leading experts

Raise awareness, connect with experts, and learn about the impacts of problem gambling!

🔗 Reserve your spot: https://vpgh.jotform.com/260405405468960

03/10/2026

Today, March 10, is Gambling Disorder Screening Day, a reminder that early screening can identify risks, reduce harm and connect people to support and recovery.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, only 15% of Americans have ever been asked about their gambling behavior by a primary care provider.

Routine screening plays a critical role in early detection and can improve treatment outcomes.

🔗 Use this quick three item screen to see if you may have a gambling problem: https://www.divisiononaddiction.org/wp-content/plugins/bbgs-e-screener/index.php

📱 Help is available 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support, please call, text or chat our free and confidential helpline at 1.888.532.3500.

03/09/2026

Advancing prevention, education and recovery!

Don’t miss the Breaking the Cycle Summit on June 17th in Danville, Virginia. Learn, connect and support problem gambling prevention efforts across the Commonwealth.

🔗 Register today: www.svpgc.org/events

🎤 Voices. Expertise. Action.

Our speaker lineup for Breaking the Cycle: Advancing Prevention & Education brings together leaders, advocates, and changemakers committed to strengthening prevention and recovery across Virginia.

This is more than a conference — it’s a day of practical insight, meaningful conversation, and real solutions you can take back to your organization and community.

If you work in behavioral health, healthcare, education, corrections, prevention, or community leadership — you don’t want to miss this.

🗓 June 17, 2026
📍 Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
🔗 Registration is open. Visit spvgc.org/events Be the Break.

Southside Behavioral Health Virginia Council on Problem Gambling - VCPG TELUS Health Gambling Research and Policy Initiative - GRPI Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Virginia Lottery .org

03/06/2026

Problem gambling impacts far more people than most realize.

It’s not always visible. It’s not always talked about. And it’s often misunderstood.

Recognizing the signs of a gambling problem is an important step toward breaking stigma, starting conversations and connecting people to help.

Awareness can make a difference. Learn the signs. Support recovery.

📲 If you or someone you know needs support for a gambling problem, help is available. Call or text our confidential, toll-free 24/7 helpline at 1-888-532-3500.

www.vcpg.net

03/04/2026

In 2025, the need for problem gambling support reached an all-time high and we connected with more individuals than ever before.

As legalized gambling, particularly iGaming, continues to expand across the Commonwealth, more Virginians are reaching out for help.

This increase reflects both growing awareness and a rising need for services:

✔️ Direct Requests for Help: Intakes increased 50% from 2024, totaling 1,508 calls from individuals directly requesting help.

✔️ Helpline Calls: There were 21,983 total calls, a 39% increase from 2024.

✔️ Strengthened Partnerships: The Helpline directly referred over 500 individuals to Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) services.

✔️ Fast Access to Treatment: 93% of those connected through VPGH met with an external treatment provider within one week.

🔗 Discover how we are making a difference across the Commonwealth in our 2025 Annual Report (linked below).

03/02/2026

In the past year, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior.

This March, VCPG is proud to recognize Problem Gambling Awareness Month alongside the National Council on Problem Gambling.

We’re committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma and connecting communities to provide support and build stronger futures together.

02/23/2026

Our work in action!

Last week, together with the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, VCPG Executive Director Willard Robertson participated in a panel discussion on problem gambling in Virginia, featuring keynote speaker Dan Trolaro, at James Madison University!

𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 & 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 welcomed 65 JMU students and community members for an important conversation on awareness, education and support.

👏 Thank you to everyone who joined us to learn more about gaming and gambling risks and behaviors, as well as help to strengthen our prevention efforts in Virginia!

𝘗𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 (l𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘵𝘰 r𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵): 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘝𝘗𝘎𝘏, 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘝𝘊𝘗𝘎, 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘨 𝘙𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘮 𝘊𝘚𝘉, 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘝𝘋𝘉𝘏𝘋𝘚, 𝘋𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘐𝘊 360, 𝘈𝘻𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘔𝘢𝘫𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘝𝘗𝘎𝘏 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘢 𝘒𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘔𝘜 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳.

02/20/2026

Don't miss this important conversation on Gambling & Technology: Innovation, Risk, & Responsibility next month during Problem Gambling Awareness Month!

Join Keith Whyte, VCPG Board Member and 30-year veteran in responsible gambling, for an interactive discussion on how technology, from AI to prediction markets, is shaping gambling, risk and policy. Discover ways to balance innovation with responsibility to protect public health.

📅 March 4, 2026
⏰: 10am-12pm
🖥️ Virtual on Teams

🔗 Register today: http://tinyurl.com/PGAM2026