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Responsible Gambling Tools
There are many forms of gambling in Virginia, some of which are run or regulated by the Virginia Lottery and some of which are not. Gambling can be buying a lottery ticket, playing a slot machine, betting on sports, table games, even buying into a workplace pool for March Madness.
Most people can gamble and play games of chance without any ill effects. However, for some people, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
Problem gambling doesn’t necessarily mean losing bets or even gambling a lot. It means a lack of control. To a person with a gambling problem, the act of placing a wager has much the same effect on the brain as an alcoholic drinking alcohol. It is a recognized mental illness, and it is treatable.
The Virginia Lottery’s Play Responsibly campaign has been recognized at the state and national levels. The Virginia Lottery was one of the first lotteries nationwide to be certified under the Responsible Gambling Verification Program, a joint program of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).
The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline
888-532-3500
Call / text / chat
Play Responsibly
The Virginia Lottery recognizes that while most people can play games of chance without ill effects, there are some people for whom gambling of any sort can be destructive.
The Lottery will, at all times, provide its games in the most responsible manner possible and encourage responsible play by all who choose to do so. This includes working to ensure that Virginia Lottery tickets are not sold to, nor prizes redeemed by, anyone younger than 18.
The “Play Responsibly” logo is to be displayed on as many advertising materials as possible. The logo is to include a toll-free telephone number where anyone with questions or concerns about problem gambling can go for themselves or loved ones. The Lottery, in partnership with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, will ensure the phone line is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful individuals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As required by law, all scratchers and computer-generated tickets will have the phone number printed on the back.
The Lottery will make use of its primary website, www.valottery.com, to maintain a page devoted to problem gambling, which is to include information on gambling addiction, the Lottery’s toll-free helpline number, PSA(s), links, etc.
The Lottery will work closely with state and national advocacy groups, including but not limited to, the Virginia and National Councils on Problem Gambling. This includes active participation in National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the Holiday Campaign to discourage gifting lottery tickets to minors. The Lottery will strive to achieve and maintain Responsible Gaming Verification status by working and improving in the following areas:
- Research
- Employee Training
- Retailer Training
- Player Education
- New/Existing Product Oversight
- Budget
- Advertising
- Engagement and Awareness
The Lottery will continue to produce television and radio public service announcements in English and Spanish encouraging responsible play and make those spots available to broadcast outlets statewide. When speaking to media, Lottery spokespersons will take every practical opportunity to remind players of the importance of playing responsibly.
At all times, the Lottery will continue to look for additional ways to get its Play Responsibly message to all players.
Gift Responsibly
A lot of people give Virginia Lottery tickets as gifts, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. However, it’s important to consider the age of the person receiving the gift. Remember: lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for anyone younger than 18.
The Virginia Lottery, along with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, is working to raise awareness of the nationwide Gift Responsibly campaign and of the dangers of youth gambling.
According to Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, “The earlier in life a young person starts to gamble, the more likely they are to develop gambling problems later on. Please remember that lottery tickets are not toys.”
Responsible Gambling Tools
The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline
888-532-3500
Call / text / chat
Problem Gambling Links
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling
- The National Council on Problem Gambling
- Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month
- Gamblers Anonymous
Voluntary Exclusion Program
The Virginia Lottery has instituted a self-help program for individuals that wish to voluntary exclude themselves from Virginia casino gaming establishments, sports betting, account-based lottery as well as gaming activities administered by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs and the Virginia Racing Commission. Individuals may self-exclude for a period of two-years, five-years or a lifetime. Sign up or find out more about the Voluntary Exclusion Program.
Frequently asked questions
Play Responsibly
There are many forms of gambling in Virginia, some of which are run or regulated by the Virginia Lottery and some of which are not. Gambling can be buying a lottery ticket, playing a slot machine, betting on sports, table games, even buying into a workplace pool for March Madness.
Most people can gamble and play games of chance without any ill effects. However, for some people, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
Problem gambling doesn’t necessarily mean losing bets or even gambling a lot. It means a lack of control. To a person with a gambling problem, the act of placing a wager has much the same effect on the brain as an alcoholic drinking alcohol. It is a recognized mental illness, and it is treatable.
The Virginia Lottery’s Play Responsibly campaign has been recognized at the state and national levels. The Virginia Lottery was one of the first lotteries nationwide to be certified under the Responsible Gambling Verification Program, a joint program of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).
The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline
888-532-3500
Call / text / chat
Play Responsibly
The Virginia Lottery recognizes that while most people can play games of chance without ill effects, there are some people for whom gambling of any sort can be destructive.
The Lottery will, at all times, provide its games in the most responsible manner possible and encourage responsible play by all who choose to do so. This includes working to ensure that Virginia Lottery tickets are not sold to, nor prizes redeemed by, anyone younger than 18.
The “Play Responsibly” logo is to be displayed on as many advertising materials as possible. The logo is to include a toll-free telephone number where anyone with questions or concerns about problem gambling can go for themselves or loved ones. The Lottery, in partnership with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, will ensure the phone line is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful individuals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As required by law, all scratchers and computer-generated tickets will have the phone number printed on the back.
The Lottery will make use of its primary website, www.valottery.com, to maintain a page devoted to problem gambling, which is to include information on gambling addiction, the Lottery’s toll-free helpline number, PSA(s), links, etc.
The Lottery will work closely with state and national advocacy groups, including but not limited to, the Virginia and National Councils on Problem Gambling. This includes active participation in National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the Holiday Campaign to discourage gifting lottery tickets to minors. The Lottery will strive to achieve and maintain Responsible Gaming Verification status by working and improving in the following areas:
- Research
- Employee Training
- Retailer Training
- Player Education
- New/Existing Product Oversight
- Budget
- Advertising
- Engagement and Awareness
The Lottery will continue to produce television and radio public service announcements in English and Spanish encouraging responsible play and make those spots available to broadcast outlets statewide. When speaking to media, Lottery spokespersons will take every practical opportunity to remind players of the importance of playing responsibly.
At all times, the Lottery will continue to look for additional ways to get its Play Responsibly message to all players.
Gift Responsibly
Gift Responsibly
A lot of people give Virginia Lottery tickets as gifts, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. However, it’s important to consider the age of the person receiving the gift. Remember: lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for anyone younger than 18.
The Virginia Lottery, along with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, is working to raise awareness of the nationwide Gift Responsibly campaign and of the dangers of youth gambling.
According to Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, “The earlier in life a young person starts to gamble, the more likely they are to develop gambling problems later on. Please remember that lottery tickets are not toys.”
Responsible Gambling Tools
Responsible Gambling Tools
The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline
888-532-3500
Call / text / chat
Problem Gambling Links
- Virginia Council on Problem Gambling
- The National Council on Problem Gambling
- Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month
- Gamblers Anonymous
Voluntary Exclusion Program
The Virginia Lottery has instituted a self-help program for individuals that wish to voluntary exclude themselves from Virginia casino gaming establishments, sports betting, account-based lottery as well as gaming activities administered by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs and the Virginia Racing Commission. Individuals may self-exclude for a period of two-years, five-years or a lifetime. Sign up or find out more about the Voluntary Exclusion Program.
Frequently asked questions