The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) referenced Brazil’s experience with online casinos as Virginia lawmakers consider new iGaming legislation, according to a March 11 statement.
The group said that Brazil legalized online casinos in 2023, but its president has since pushed for new restrictions due to rising gambling addiction and harm to families. NAAiG pointed to Brazil as an example for Virginia, warning that mobile access presents added regulatory challenges, according to the association’s official X account.
Annual gambling in Virginia exceeds $12.5 billion, and the state’s problem gambling helpline saw a 49% increase in calls and an 11% rise in intakes from 2023 to 2024. These trends coincided with expanded wagering options. Officials warn that iGaming could further increase access through mobile devices and drive additional cases, according to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Nearly eight in ten Americans view gambling addiction as as serious as or more serious than other addictions. About five million Americans meet the criteria for compulsive gambling, with higher rates among online users. Men ages 18 to 30 show problem gambling rates of about 10%, raising concerns that expanded mobile gaming could worsen those trends, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
NAAiG describes itself as a coalition of local businesses, industry veterans, community advocates and concerned citizens working to safeguard communities from the harmful impacts of online gaming. The group supports policies that protect local jobs and promote responsible gaming alternatives. NAAiG engages with lawmakers to address risks associated with iGaming expansion in states including Virginia.
