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Helplines &
Hotlines
Recovery is possible and we are here to help.
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Suicide & Crisis
- Call or Text: 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org
* If you or someone you know is in danger contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Gambling Hotlines
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-532-3500
Support Groups
Gam-Anon is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of problem gambler
- GamTalk is a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum.
- Gamblers Anonymous has a 12 step program for Problem Gambling, virtual meetings, and allows you to talk to a person directly.
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Education & Awareness
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FAQ
Be resilient and stay informed. Learn about methods to recognize addiction and stop it in its tracks.
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Training
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Self Assessment
Take this quick assessment to evaluate your gambling tendencies.
Testing this form to see if I can use it for a gambling screener.
Have Questions?
Southern VA Problem Gambling Collaborative is a community organization committed to reducing the harm caused by problem gambling.
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling involves gambling behaviors that negatively affect a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and careers. In severe cases, problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, legal issues, job loss, family breakdown, and even suicide. For more information on the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for gambling addiction, please see the DSM 5 at psych.org.
Who is at risk for problem gambling?
Anyone who gambles can be at risk of developing a gambling problem. It is important to be aware of the risks and to gamble responsibly. When gambling behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already exists.
What are the warning signs?
Some warning signs to look for are thinking about gambling frequently, feeling the need to bet more money and more often, spending more money to chase losses, feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop gambling, feelings of not being able to control the gambling, gambling despite negative consequences, and in extreme cases, gambling thatleads to bankruptcy, legal problems, loss of job or relationships, and thoughts of suicide.
How widespread is problem gambling in the United States?
Two million U.S. adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe gambling problems each year. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems; that is, they do not meet the full criteria for gambling addiction but meet one or more of the criteria and are experiencing issues due to their gambling behavior. Research also indicates that most adults who gamble can do it responsibly.
Can you have a gambling problem if you don’t gamble every day?
There is no correlation between the frequency of a person’s gambling and their addiction. Even if done periodically, the emotional and financial consequences can still significantly impact their personal and family life.
How can a person be addicted to something that isn’t a substance?
People addicted to gambling get the same effects from gambling as someone may get from a drug or drinking alcohol. As time goes on, an individual with unhealthy gambling habits can find that it takes increasingly more gambling to achieve the same emotional effect as before.
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