HANOVER COUNTY, Va. — With the Super Bowl this weekend, millions of fans will place sports bets, but for some Virginians, this could mark their last wager as gambling addiction rates soar.
Since the Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, calls to Virginia’s gambling helpline have increased more than 200% — from just 311 intakes in 2019 to about 1,508 calls in 2025.
Wallace McDowney is considering stepping away from sports betting after recognizing warning signs in his own behavior…