Virginia Council on Problem Gambling - VCPG

06/08/2026

Did you know that in 2025, 2 out of every 10 intakes from calls to the VCPG Helpline were individuals aged 55 and older?

Last week, VCPG Executive Director Willard Robertson co-presented with Virginia Tech's Ruthann Froberg at the Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society's 2026 Elder Abuse Conference.

During their session, they explored the unique challenges of problem gambling among older adults in Virginia. Ruthann shared key insights from an ongoing research project tracking these gambling patterns and more.

This study is a collaborative effort conducted by:
- The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University
- The Virginia Center on Aging at VCU
- The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- The Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology

We are proud that our very own Dr. Carolyn Hawley is a member of this research team.

👏 Thank you to the Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society for the opportunity to host this important conversation and raise awareness together!

06/02/2026

According to a Fairleigh Dickinson University study, 10% of young men in the U.S. show signs of a gambling problem—more than triple the rate of the general population.

June is Men’s Health Month. The toll of problem gambling stretches well beyond the bank account. It deeply impacts physical health, emotional well-being and is frequently linked to substance misuse.

This month, let’s raise awareness, educate our communities and advocate for positive change. Together, we can provide the support and resources needed to make a difference in the lives of those affected by problem gambling.

05/28/2026

Gamblers come in all shapes and sizes. Problem gambling is defined by any gambling behavior that compromises, disrupts or damages relationships, families or careers.

🔗 Learn more: www.vcpg.net

05/26/2026

Did you know that 1 in 5 people experiencing problem gambling will attempt su***de?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Gambling can greatly impact the mental health of those who engage, foster addiction, suicidal thoughts and more.

Visit our website (www.vcpg.net) for more information about the signs of problem gambling, resources, tips and more. NAMI is a great resource for those seeking additional mental health information.

📱Help is available 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support or has a gambling problem, please call, text or chat our free and confidential helpline at 1.888.532.3500.

05/18/2026

We are here to help 24/7!

Hear from gamblers in recovery, speak with an expert about your questions and concerns, learn more about our wellness calls/GA meetings and find general information by calling or texting our confidential and toll-free, helpline at 1.888.532.3500.

www.vcpg.net

05/11/2026

Did you know that 1 in 5 individuals with a gambling disorder have attempted su***de?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our partners at Bewellva are looking to change that through important conversations and awareness.

Join us on May 18 from 1-2:30 PM as Clinical Manager Kristen Beall presents the webinar, Gambling Disorder: Relationship to Su***de and Resources for Help, to explore the connection between problem gambling and su***de risk, warning signs and helpful resources.

🔗 Register today: bit.ly/4eASA3a

05/07/2026

It’s all in the data!

We’re seeing a sharp rise in intakes from 18–25 year olds and more people sharing that they’re dealing with a gambling problem within just a year of getting started.

Together, VCPG and our Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health network of treatment and recovery providers conduct outreach and engage individuals across communities through education, brief assessments and conversations about gambling behaviors.

Early engagement and awareness matter! It’s our mission to build awareness, support Virginians struggling with program gambling and encourage research and programs for prevention and education.

📱 Help is available 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support, please call, text or chat our free and confidential helpline at 1.888.532.3500.

05/05/2026

A very big congratulations to VCPG President Dr. Carolyn E. Hawley on this incredible and well-deserved recognition!

Three faculty members from the VCU College of Health Professions, Kristin MacDonald, Ph.D., Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., and Jared Schultz, Ph.D., have been named Shift Labs Faculty Fellow Awardees by the VCU Office of Innovation and Strategic Design.

This honor recognizes their commitment to innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, as well as their work addressing complex societal challenges.

Read the full story: https://buff.ly/jky5oWw

05/04/2026

Join Dr. Mike Robinson to learn about the science behind gaming in our May Virtual Lunch & Learn with the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health and the Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).

📅 Friday, May 29th
⏰ 12-1 PM
📍 Online
🔗 Register today: https://vpgh.jotform.com/260904415464961

04/29/2026

As technology evolves, so does the nature of risk.

On June 17th, join us in Danville, VA, for the Southern VA Problem Gambling Collaborative's Breaking the Cycle Conference!

Our very own Dr. Carolyn Hawley will explore the critical link between brain science and emerging technology, specifically how digital design choices influence player behavior and can contribute to gambling-related harm, as well as how technology can be part of the solution.

🔗 Learn more and register today: svpgc.org

Southern VA Problem Gambling Collaborative is a community organization committed to reducing the harm caused by problem gambling.