Sports betting grows revenue in Virginia, gambling risks rise

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – According to the American Gaming Association, sports betting is projected to bring in $35 billion through the current NFL Season. However, according to the Virginia lottery gaming updates, sports betting has increased tax revenue and brought more problem gambling helpline calls.

A local peer recovery organization emphasizes that some struggle to recognize parallels between gambling addiction and other substance abuse issues, and said a holistic approach to substance abuse can address recovery.

“We’ll look at addiction from kind of a holistic view; it could be gaming; it could be alcohol or it could be overeating,” Ragan McManus, deputy director at Strength in Peers, said, “What are the things that are making you unwell, both physically, emotionally and spiritually? What are the things that you can do to make yourself well and that fill your cup?” McManus added.

In 2023, the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling reported a 973% increase in total VCPG Helpline calls from 2019-2023, with over 10,000 calls in 2023. Since legalization in the Commonwealth in 2021, the Virginia Lottery collected over $68.9 million in taxes associated with this wagering activity in the fiscal year of 2023.

Strength in Peers, a nonprofit, peer-run recovery community organization, defines problem gambling as gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits.

Those who believe they have a gambling problem can contact Virginia and the national gambling helpline and resources:

Strength in Peers (City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Page and Shenandoah Counties)

Call: 540-217-0869

Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline

Call: 1-888-532-3500

Virginia Council on Problem Gambling

Cakk: 804-827-0921

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