VPGH staff educate lawyers and judges about risks of problem gambling

Earlier this spring, Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., Director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, and Elizabeth Childress, a certified peer recovery specialist, had an opportunity to speak to judges and attorneys from different sectors of the legal profession at the Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program’s Women’s Legal Professional Retreat.

The message Hawley and Childress shared was two-fold. In addition to breaking down the stigmas that often surround addictive behaviors, they wanted attendees to understand their own risks.

“We were excited to have this opportunity and educate them about what gambling addiction is, for their clients’ sake,” Hawley says. “But also, since this was a wellness-focused retreat, to realize that they are at a high risk for addictive behaviors because they have a very stressful job and often deal with a lot of conflict.”

Hawley focused on the gambling landscape in Virginia and resources for help.

“People think that they’re engaging in a behavior that’s safe, but there is a potential for harm,” she says. “I try to destigmatize and demystify by sharing why this behavior can be so compelling for some individuals.”

Childress added a personal touch to the conversation, layering in her own experiences with substance use, incarceration and long-term recovery, as well as her work supporting others through their recovery journey. She talked about how gambling can intersect with stress, burnout, perfectionism, trauma exposure and substance use—all of which are prevalent in the legal profession—and how to look for warning signs.

“I wanted them to understand that gambling disorder is not a lack of willpower, but a recognized behavioral addiction with real impacts on mental health, decision-making, and professional functioning,” Childress says. “I wanted to share ways that attorneys, judges, and legal professionals can respond compassionately and appropriately when gambling-related harm may be present. My hope was to create a conversation centered on education, early intervention, and wellness rather than shame or punishment.”

With a better understanding of problem gambling and how VPGH can help, Childress hopes more attorneys and judges will refer clients to treatment and peer support services and incorporate recovery efforts into their case planning and court discussions. She adds that it was encouraging to hear from attendees who wanted more information about VPGH and its referral network—for their clients, their colleagues, and themselves.

“I truly believe these types of collaborations can continue changing the landscape of gambling-related crimes moving forward,” she says. “When the legal system recognizes gambling disorder as an addiction and connects people with accountability, treatment, and recovery support—not just punishment—it creates stronger opportunities for long-term recovery and reduced repeat offenses.”