Sports betting in Virginia has surged dramatically since its legalization in January 2021, with a notable increase in younger individuals seeking help for gambling-related issues. In August 2023 alone, bettors in the state wagered over $510 million on sports, with more than $506 million placed through mobile platforms, according to the Virginia Lottery. This trend has raised concerns among mental health professionals about the growing prevalence of gambling addictions among youth.
Increase in Gambling-Related Calls
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling reported a staggering 114% increase in calls from residents seeking assistance in 2021 compared to previous years. Carolyn Hawley, president of the council, stated that the ease of access to online gambling has made it particularly risky for younger demographics. “Gambling is now part of life in a way that it wasn’t for previous generations,” she noted.
Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that approximately 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. placed an online sports bet within the last year. Furthermore, 22% of respondents reported engaging in some form of betting in 2023, whether through mobile apps, social pools, or casinos. This cultural shift has been accompanied by a significant demographic change among those seeking help for gambling issues, with a marked increase in calls from individuals aged 18 to 34.
Marketing Influence and Youth Engagement
The proliferation of mobile sports betting applications has coincided with aggressive marketing strategies from gambling companies, often utilizing celebrity endorsements. Hawley pointed out that the normalization of gambling, particularly through social media influencers, has made young people more susceptible to developing gambling habits. “My six-year-old son recently talked about gambling, which is concerning considering it’s not something we discuss at home,” she added.
The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling has tracked a remarkable 1,500% increase in total calls from 2019 to 2024, with over 200% of those calls specifically requesting treatment support for gambling problems. This data underscores the urgent need for preventative measures and education targeting younger audiences.
Matthew Britt, a certified peer recovery specialist for the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, shared his personal journey with gambling addiction. He recalled early experiences with gambling that led to a lifelong struggle. “Gambling has been normalized in many social settings, making it difficult to view it as a negative behavior,” Britt explained. His experience reflects a broader trend, as studies have indicated a higher prevalence of gambling issues among individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Britt emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to gambling addiction. “The hardest part of recovery was learning to enjoy sports without the urge to bet,” he said. His ongoing recovery journey serves as a testament to the possibility of overcoming addiction.
If you or someone you know is facing gambling challenges, assistance is available through the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700. Awareness and education about the risks associated with gambling, especially among youth, remain critical as the popularity of online sports betting continues to rise.
