Virginia Lottery Launches Consumer Protection Campaign to Promote Responsible Gaming
RICHMOND, Va. (October 1, 2026) – The Virginia Lottery is launching a new consumer protection campaign October 1 to help Virginians make informed choices about gaming, understand the consumer protections available through regulated gaming, and know where to turn for help if gaming becomes a problem for them.
As legal gaming options have expanded in Virginia, the Lottery’s role in consumer protection has become even more important. For decades, the Virginia Lottery has reminded Virginians who choose to play to do so responsibly, and this commitment continues to grow along with the gaming marketplace.
“Responsible gaming starts with informed choices,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall. “Our responsibility is not simply to offer gaming products but to make sure consumers understand the protections available to them and where they can turn for help. Our goal with this campaign is to make sure Virginians have clear information about safeguards, tools available today to manage their play, and resources available to them when they choose to play through regulated gaming.”
The paid social media campaign will run on Facebook and Instagram, using a mix of video and static graphics to reinforce consumer protection messages. As part of the Lottery’s longstanding Play Responsibly program, the campaign focuses on three key messages:
Reminding players about the Lottery’s online responsible gaming tools, including daily, weekly and monthly deposit and betting limits, and “cooling off” options to take a break from play. The Lottery also manages Virginia’s Voluntary Exclusion Program across all forms of regulated gaming.
Ensuring consumers are aware of the protections offered through legal gaming versus unregulated gaming options. Regulated gaming operates under laws and regulations that provide consumer protections, oversight and accountability. Illegal and unregulated gaming does not provide those same safeguards because it operates without state licensing, registration or regulatory oversight.
Highlighting the Lottery’s longstanding partnership with the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and its key funding support for VCPG’s confidential helpline: 888-532-3500.
“Consumers need clear, practical information about the choices available to them, but responsible gaming is more than making these tools available,” said Hall. “In coming months, the Virginia Lottery will also introduce new, more proactive responsible gaming information and tools for our players, further expanding protections for Virginians who choose to play Lottery games online.”
The first flight of the campaign will run through October, the second flight will be in January, and the third flight in March. This Consumer Protection campaign will complement the larger “Play Responsibly” campaign which also begins this fall and runs through the end of March.
The Virginia Lottery is an independent state agency responsible for operating the Commonwealth’s Lottery and regulating commercial casinos, online sports wagering and fantasy sports. All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 education in Virginia. In Fiscal Year 2026, the Lottery raised more than $914 million for K-12 education, making up approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s total K-12 school budget. For a complete list of Lottery funds distributed to Virginia school districts, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page. For general information or to play games online, visit the Virginia Lottery’s website or download the Lottery’s app. Connect with the Lottery on Facebook, X, Instagram, or YouTube.
