As Virginia lawmakers consider legislation that would legalize online casino gaming, new state data shows a sharp rise in people seeking help for gambling-related problems.
Calls to the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline — the state-supported hotline that connects residents to treatment and support services — increased 49% from 2023 to 2024, while intake calls rose 11%, according to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ evaluation of problem gambling services.
The DBHDS evaluation also noted broader growth in legal gambling activity statewide, reporting that Virginia sports betting revenue reached $560.2 million in 2023, a 16.4% increase year over year.
The increase comes as the General Assembly considers proposals that would authorize internet casino gaming, often referred to as iGaming, and place it under the authority of the Virginia Lottery Board.
Senate Bill 118 would create a regulated online casino market in Virginia and authorize internet gaming and establish oversight through the Lottery Board, according to the Virginia Legislative Information System bill summary.
A fiscal analysis of SB 118 says the proposal would allow licensed casino operators to run online gaming platforms and would impose a 20% tax on adjusted gross internet gaming revenue.
In the House, House Bill 161 outlines a similar regulatory structure and a 15% tax rate, as described in the House fiscal impact statement.
“A small portion, 5%, of those taxes would be allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund,” reported WTOP on Jan. 12.
The legislation is opposed by the Virginia Moose Lodges, which said in an X post that “SB118 is a dangerous, short sighted, and sweeping expansion of gambling-on cell phones 24/7/365.”
iGaming is “highly addictive,” wrote Tad Berman, founder of Virginians for Integrity in Horse Racing and Casino Gambling, in a Dec. 2025 op-ed in Cardinal News.
“Problem gaming disorders have skyrocketed in the seven states where it has been legalized,” wrote Berman. “Having a casino available on your smartphone 24/7 makes casino gambling way too accessible and creates a situation where you can wipe out your entire bank account and max out your credit cards in just minutes, without ever leaving your house.”
The helpline data provides lawmakers with a snapshot of current demand for gambling treatment and support services as they debate whether to expand access through mobile-based casino gaming platforms.
