The Virginia Lottery encourages you to Play Responsibly

In March, the Virginia Lottery recognizes National Problem Gambling Awareness Month to bring attention to the issue of problem gambling and to encourage responsible play. Problem gambling can be devastating for some people. However, there are resources available to assist those who have a gambling problem, and we at the Virginia Lottery are committed to raising awareness about the problem and the help that is available.

This month, you may see the following public service announcement (PSA), produced by the Lottery in partnership with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG), broadcast on television:

This PSA promotes the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline, which assists people who think they or a loved one may have a gambling problem. The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-888- 532-3500, is toll-free and confidential. All Virginia Lottery tickets and most printed advertising materials contain the number. Materials containing problem gambling resources also are available in Spanish.

Additionally, the Virginia Lottery created a Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) in early 2021 that allows players to opt out of state-regulated gambling activities for a set period of time or for life. The VEP includes account-based Lottery, mobile sports betting, horse racing and historical horse race wagering, as well as gaming activities sponsored by charitable organizations.

The Virginia Lottery wants to ensure that its games remain good fun for a great cause for all players. To learn more about the Lottery’s efforts to support problem gambling awareness in Virginia, please visit the Play Responsibly page.

_{Last updated 3/5/21}