Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health Launches Referral Line to Connect Support Seekers with Recovery Services

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RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES, September 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) recently launched a new referral phone line, offering a direct pathway to the organization’s coordinated treatment response.

The referral line allows Virginia problem gambling helpline staff to conduct a warm handoff to VPGH, which can connect callers with available resources and gambling treatment options. Individual support seekers will continue to use the Virginia problem gambling helpline at 888-532-3500, or can contact VPGH directly through the VPGH online referral form.

“For many support seekers, the first request for help may be the only one,” said Jennifer Davis-Walton, Director of Gambling Services. “The new VPGH referral line ensures that individuals are quickly and seamlessly connected to support before their stress escalates into crisis. It’s yet another way that Virginia is meeting people at the moment they are ready to change.”

The VPGH referral line is staffed by a team of certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS), who help connect individuals to treatment and recovery services while maintaining regular follow-ups to ensure individuals receive the right support needed at the right time. VPGH is also a payer of last resort, meaning services are provided regardless of a person's ability to pay.

VPGH, which is housed at Virginia Commonwealth University, strengthens the Commonwealth’s treatment and recovery infrastructure by centralizing access to trained clinicians and peer recovery specialists. Providers receive specialized training at no cost, equipping them to deliver gambling-specific care and serve as referral resources. Last year, VPGH provided direct services to 1,267 Virginians statewide, connecting them with a treatment provider within one week.

“As legalized gambling rapidly expands, it is more important than ever that Virginians have immediate access to support when gambling begins to impact their financial stability, wellbeing, and family life,” Davis-Walton said.

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 Virginia 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.

Emma Freeman
Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health
+1 724-992-2226
freemane@vcu.edu