Virginia lawmakers want to create new state committee on gambling addiction

Virginia lawmakers want to create a new state committee on gambling addiction. The state and local governments are trying to generate more tax revenue from gambling. Problem gambling hotline has seen a 143% increase in intake calls over the last three years. More than 21% of Virginia high schoolers have gambled or placed a bet in the past year. If approved, the committee would be chaired by the state’s problem gambling prevention coordinator and feature representatives from all state agencies that regulate gambling and the gambling industry. It would also have a spot for someone from the problem-gambling council, which runs its hotline with funding from Virginia Lottery.