Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health Joins 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign to Raise Awareness of Youth Gambling Risks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2025
CONTACT:
Emma Freeman
[email protected]
724-992-2226
Richmond, Virginia – The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health today announced its commitment as a participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).
Research supports that early exposure to or participation in gambling during childhood is highly correlated with the development of a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through a lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“Over the last six years, the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline has seen a 63% increase in callers between the ages of 18 and 24,” said Jennifer Davis-Walton, VPGH Director of Gambling Services. “Our network of providers are trained to support people dealing with this often-hidden addiction and have a deep understanding of its impact on individuals’ relationships and well-being.
“We’re joining the Gift Responsibly Campaign because we want all Virginians to understand the risks of underage gambling and how to get the help they need.”
As a participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, during December, VPGH will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use on its social media channels and share resources for those seeking support for problem gambling.
“Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked. The Gift Responsibly Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping lottery products out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors. “We’re grateful to VPGH for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”
VPGH works to increase access to treatment by providing no-cost, evidence-based training to clinical providers and peer recovery specialists, and referring support seekers to its network of providers across Virginia. VPGH is also improving outcomes by investing in research to understand the root causes of gambling addiction and explore new treatment strategies.
About the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health
The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) at Virginia Commonwealth University aims to inspire hope, build support, and foster solutions that empower every Virginian seeking to transform their lives from problem gambling. VPGH partners with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to ensure eligible Virginians receive treatment and recovery services. If needed, VPGH covers the cost of treatment to ensure every support seeker’s recovery needs are met. VPGH also provides evidence-based training on problem gambling to its network of clinicians and peer recovery specialists.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline™, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.