The West Virginia Lottery Commission offers an extensive, multifaceted program to help problem gamblers.
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia, which was established in 2000, offers assistance through its website, 1800gambler.net.
The network’s helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, is manned around the clock by gambling addiction experts.
On the website there’s a self-quiz that helps gamblers determine if they have a problem. Questions include: “Have you ever gambled longer than you planned?” “Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?” “Have thoughts of gambling ever caused you to lose sleep? “Have you ever used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?” “Have you ever made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?” “Have you ever broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?” “Have you ever borrowed money to finance your gambling?”
State law requires every limited video lottery retailer to conspicuously post this statement provided by the lottery commission: CAUTION—gambling and playing this machine can be hazardous to your health, your finances and your future.
The lottery commission also provides a label for each video lottery terminal that explains how to locate and contact people or organizations for help, assistance or treatment for gambling addiction.
Problem gamblers can join one of 15 Gamblers Anonymous groups in the state.
