Horizon is committed to preventing problem gambling in youth and adults in Central Virginia by bringing awareness and connecting our community with helpful resources and information regarding problem gambling and gaming. Problem gambling is preventable and treatable. If you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling or gambling addiction, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER.

Problem Gambling

Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, is ongoing and uncontrollable gambling behavior that is harmful to a person or their loved ones, often causing issues in their daily lives, careers, finances, relationships, and mental wellness. It can result in financial ruin, legal problems, problems with loved ones, loss of career and family, physical health issues, or mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, self-harm, or in extreme cases, suicide.

Know the Facts

Gambling Disorder is a mental illness in the same category as Alcohol Use Disorder and Substance Use Disorder, meaning people can actually become addicted to gambling.

Nationally, 5-8 million adults experience a gambling problem every year.

In Virginia, over 400,000 citizens struggle with problem gambling.

Between 2019-2023, Virginia calls to the Problem Gambling Hotline increased by 973%.

17-24% of people with a gambling problem attempt suicide and gambling addiction has the highest rate of suicide deaths than any other addiction.

Gambling addiction is known as the “Hidden Addiction” because the signs may not be as noticeable as other addictions.

Gambling problems often occur alongside other problems such as mood disorders and substance use disorders.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling in Adults

*The following signs and symptoms are consistent with the empirically based, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

  • The need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same level of excitement
  • Restless/irritable when attempting to cut back on gambling, with repeated unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling
  • Preoccupied with thoughts of gambling; reliving past experiences, planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble with
  • Often gambles when dealing with negative emotions
  • Routinely “chases one’s losses” even after losing repeatedly
  • Lies about the extent of their gambling
  • Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or opportunity due to gambling

Online Gambling

Online gambling includes various forms of betting including sports betting, the lottery, online casinos, and video games. Each poses their own risks and players should stay alert as the ease of access to gambling opportunities in daily life continues to increase. 

Sports Betting

Sports betting can be a fun way to engage with other fans and keep the season exciting, but it does come with risks. Sports betting is more likely to lead to a gambling addiction and causes more severe harms such as substance use and worse depression or anxiety.

Sports bettors should remember that no amount of skill or knowledge of the game can guarantee a win as countless factors can affect outcomes. Players should also be mindful of the “risk free bets” and higher payouts for betting on losing teams offered by betting sites as this can lead to unintentionally spending more and betting more often to the point of losing control.

Online Lottery

Online lottery and casino games pose an increased risk to youth and young adults who are more comfortable utilizing technology but are unaware of the reality of gambling, as well as to those who already struggle with gambling as online options increase the opportunities to bet. Players should remember this is still a form of gambling and if struggling to stop, utilize limit-setting tools or self-exclusion.

Video Games

Gambling in video games has become increasingly common, exposing our youth and older adults at a high rate. Betting in video games can look very different depending on the game and sometimes may be unrecognizable. Players should be cautious about spending a large amount of time playing and about any amount of money spent on virtual goods.

Play Responsibly 

For the majority of adults, gambling can be a fun and entertaining experience, but there are risks involved. It is critical to know the risks and have a plan before you begin gambling.

  • Treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • Make a plan for how much you’re willing to lose and how long you want to play. Set limits on time and money.
  • Use outside resources to stick to your limits. Set timers, alarms, or share your plan with others to help keep you accountable.
  • Hope to win but expect to lose- never chase your losses.
  • Never borrow money to gamble. Don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose.
  • Avoid playing while emotionally distressed or under the influence of substances as these can impair your judgement.
  • Make sure you understand the odds. In the long run, the house always wins.
  • When gambling is no longer fun, take a break.

If you are struggling to stop gambling on your own, utilize outside resources. Use limit-setting tools offered by many gambling platforms or enroll in VA Lottery’s self-exclusion list to be blocked from in-person and virtual gambling avenues throughout the state.

Youth Problem Gambling

Gambling chemically affects a young person's developing brain, causing long-term problems with impulse control, decision-making, learning, and stress management. It can also put youth at risk for failing grades, truancy, lowered self-esteem, anxiety, depression, self-harm, or legal trouble.

Youth are twice as likely as adults to struggle with a gambling problem. Currently, 10-14% of adolescents are at risk of developing a problem with gambling while 4-6% of youth already have a serious gambling problem, compared to 1-2% of adults.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling in Youth

  • Lowered school attendance or performance with no explanation.
  • Loss of interest in relationships and hobbies with no clear replacements.
  • Intense mood swings between euphoria and despair related to gambling outcomes
  • More isolated, defensive, and withdrawn or more irritable, restless, and anxious
  • Spending a significant amount of time online, often being secretive about activities
  • Increased focus on obtaining money, frequently borrowing or stealing money

Protect Our Youth. Prevent Youth Gambling.

It's important to understand that there is no safe or legal amount of gambling for children. There are many ways that we, as caring adults, can help prevent and address gambling concerns in our youth.

Stay aware of your youth’s mental wellbeing and social life, encourage them to have healthy coping skills and hobbies, and how to defy peer pressure by saying “no”. Educate yourself and your youth about problem gambling and cultivate a family environment where they can voice concerns and where there are clear rules and expectations around gambling that you model in your own behavior.

Gift Responsibly

Please remember, lottery tickets are not appropriate or legal for anyone under the age of 18. Studies show that children who are exposed to gambling before the age of 12 are 4 times more likely to develop a gambling addiction later in life. Many adolescents reported that their first experience with gambling occurred around 8-11 years of age, with the most common type of exposure being scratch-off tickets.

This holiday season, parents and other caring adults can help prevent youth gambling by not gifting lottery tickets to minors or allowing them to “pick out” which tickets to buy or help scratch-off tickets.

Horizon encourages adults to spread cheer through gift giving every holiday season by finding creative alternatives to lottery tickets, such as books or puzzles, to foster creativity and knowledge; board games that encourage family bonding; or gift cards to places like movie theaters, amusement parks, or local restaurants where they can enjoy a safe outing.

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling, know that you’re not alone and there are resources available.

Call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit 1800gamblerchat.org to access the free, anonymous, problem gambling helpline or visit the links below to learn more.

 

Resources for Help and Education:

National Council on Problem Gambling: Problem Gambling

National Council on Problem Gambling: Problem Gambling in Virgnia 

Virgnia Council on Problem Gambling

The Dangers of Youth Gambling Addiction