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                                                                  MISSION STATEMENT
The VA Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting problem gamblers and their familes by promoting awareness, education, research, prevention and treament for  problem gambling. VACPG is a proud affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). We provide an array of services, including:

• Speaking Engagements
• Training
• Interventions
• Educational Materials
• Referrals
• 24/7 Helpline
• Peer Counseling 

VACPG is funded by voluntary contributions from business and other interested parties, and does not  take a position for or against legalized gambling. All donations are tax deductible (EIN 27-4844565).

WHAT IS PROBLEM GAMBLING?

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational.  The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT PROBLEM GAMBLING IN VA

An estimated 1% of adults meet criteria for pathological, compulsive gambling in a given year.  Another 2% meet criteria for problem gambling.  For the Commonwealth of Virginia this equates to 180,000 adults.  In addition, adolescents (14-17 years old) have a high rate of gambling participation and problems.  We estimate 5% or 24,000 Virginia adolescents have gambling problems.