As part of a statewide effort to tackle gambling addiction, three South Virginia organizations have joined forces to create the Southern Virginia Problem Gambling Cooperative (SVPGC). Together, they plan to serve the region and educate residents about the dangers of problem gambling.
The three parties to the SVPGC are:
- Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board
- Southside Behavioral Health
- Piedmont Community Services
Caesars Virginia began temporary operations in 2023 and will soon be opening its permanent facility in Danville. However, SVPGC representatives say the organization did not form as a response to the arrival of new retail gambling in the area. Instead, it’s to educate the public about the extensive number of gambling options in Virginia and the associated dangers. In addition to its new retail casinos, Virginia launched an online lottery in 2020 and sports betting the following year.
Dominick Grembi, prevention program manager at Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services, told the Danville Register & Bee the cooperative initial goal is to increase awareness as people don’t realize the types of gambling available in the state. Tyler Bushong, community coordinator of SVPGC, added:
What we do is we raise awareness of problem gambling. We want to stop it at the problem gambling level before it gets to a serious problem.
In 2023, Virginia ranked 19th in funds allocated to problem gambling, according to the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services. With $2 million for such services, Virginia was well below the national average of $3.1 million.
There’s More to Gambling Than Casinos
Casinos like Caesars are what most people first associate with the term “gambling.” However, SVPGC says that other things people don’t necessarily consider to be gambling can also be addictive and contribute to the state’s overall problem gambling rate. Naturally, that includes the Virginia Lottery, sports betting, and horse racing. But SVPGC says that even things like bingo fundraisers, raffles, and in-app mobile game purchases can contribute. To Grembi, all those things are forms of gambling.
Bushong says he has no issue with gambling and that he’s gambled in the past. Instead, he wants to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling and its consequences because many people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Compared to drug or alcohol addiction, gambling addiction is also hard to spot from the outside, as there are often no visible effects until the gambler is in a dire financial situation.
Despite the large number of gambling options in Virginia, Bushong says his biggest concern is sports betting and the way it’s advertised. He notes that these ads are everywhere and often portray sports betting as harmless fun. Some states, like New York, have recently adopted stricter policies on sports betting advertisements. Virginia has yet to follow suit, though there is a controversial push by the federal government to force states to clamp down.
Collaboration With Caesars Virginia
The opening of Caesars Virginia may not be the reason for SVPGC’s formation, but the group still plans to meet with the casino to ensure adequate responsible gaming tools are in place. Caesars says it takes responsible gambling seriously. Carmen Kesel, a Caesars Virginia spokesperson, shared with the Register & Bee about some of the steps the company has taken:
Regarding on-property resources, signage posted throughout and at every exit, brochures and rack cards are placed at every ATM and at the casino cage, and an RG disclaimer is added to all marketing and advertising materials (digital and print).
Caesars expects to open its permanent Danville casino by the end of the year. It will have over 1,300 slots, 85 table games, 24 electronic tables, and a 320-room hotel. The company now says it will cost around $750 million, almost double the initial estimate. The casino recently made headlines with the announcement that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will open a restaurant on-site, Ramsay’s Kitchen. The restaurant will have a capacity of over 250 patrons, including a private dining room and an outdoor patio.
Other Responsible Gambling Tools Available in VA
While SVPGC is a new organization based in South Virginia, state residents have several state and national tools to help them combat problem gambling. That includes the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling’s helpline at 1-800-532-3500.
Also, the National Council on Problem Gambling has a national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or live chat. Those wanting to exclude themselves from gambling can fill out a Voluntary Exclusion Program Form online. They can also self-exclude in person by visiting the Lottery Headquarters in Richmond or a local office (they must make an appointment by calling 804-692-7185). Other support organizations include:
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