West Virginia
West Virginia gambling helpline reports increase of calls
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – As football season begins, so too does an increase in sports betting. In the United States, the NFL is the most popular sport for betting, according to Shelia Moran, director of Marketing and Communications with WV’s Problem Gambling Help Network.
While many people can place the occasional bet without severe consequences, for some the betting becomes more.
According to Moran, nearly 1,200 West Virginians reached out for help with a gambling problem last year.
Moran said the state’s gambling helpline received an influx of calls over the last year and they anticipate more in the coming months.
Data, according to Moran, shows the number of calls to the gambling helpline has doubled in the last year.
“This is becoming more common,” Moran said.
She encourages anyone seeking assistance to “feel confident when reaching out.”
Moran says there has been a significant shift in the demographics of callers.
“We used to get more calls from women and middle-aged people when most played slots or video poker machines. Now, most callers use mobile devices to bet, either casino games or sports, and we get more calls from younger men.”
For those who gamble, the Help Network suggests using these guidelines:
· Treat the money you lose as the cost of entertainment and any winnings as a bonus.
· Plan ahead. Set a money and time limit, and stick to them. If gambling online, take advantage of the app’s responsible gambling features, which allow time and money limits.
· Avoid chasing lost money.
· Keep track of the amount wagered and money won and lost. Many features in games make you feel like you are ahead, but accurate accounting may tell a different story.
Anyone experiencing problem gambling issues can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or chat online at 1800Gambler.net
Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
We recognize you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which
enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore access cannot be granted at this time.
For any issues, contact support@wvnews.com or call 1-800-982-6034.
West Virginia
Morrisey signs Baylea’s Law, increasing criminal penalties in W.Va. for DUI causing death
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey officially signed House Bill 4712 into law on Friday.
The bill, better known as Baylea’s Law, increases criminal penalties against those who are convicted of driving under the influence resulting in death. The bill is named after Baylea Bower, a 24-year-old woman from Boone County who was killed in a car crash on Easter in 2025 caused by a drunk driver.
The bill passed the House in February, with several of Bower’s family and friends gathered at the West Virginia Capitol in support of the bill.
“Obviously we’re going to be heartbroken,” Bower’s friend India Henderson said. “We have the lifetime sentence of not having Baylea. But if this does help save a life in the future and cause someone to not want to go out and cause this tragedy, then that is a win.”
In accordance with the passage of the bill, Baylea’s Law will take effect on June 12.
“West Virginia will no longer allow those who drive while impaired to escape the full weight of justice,” Morrisey said Friday in a press release. “Baylea’s Law gives our legal system the teeth to demand absolute accountability for the most heartbreaking crimes. Today, our laws stand firmly on the side of victims and their families.”
Specifically, Baylea’s Law introduces the offense of aggravated DUI resulting in death, which will carry the following mandatory sentences, according to a release from Morrisey’s office:
- Five to 30 years in prison
- Fine of $2,000 to $10,000
- Lifetime revocation of the offender’s driver’s license
-
Pennsylvania1 minute agoPennsylvania Medical Marijuana And Hemp Regulation Bill Sets The State Up For Broader Recreational Legalization, GOP Senator Says – Marijuana Moment
-
Rhode Island7 minutes agoProposed tax hike would hurt small businesses and our communities | Opinion
-
South-Carolina13 minutes ago11 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in South Carolina
-
South Dakota19 minutes agoHuman trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event
-
Tennessee25 minutes agoEthan Mendoza injured as No. 4 Texas loses to Tennessee, 5-1
-
Texas31 minutes agoWarm Saturday in North Texas ahead of severe weather chances later for Mother’s Day
-
Utah37 minutes agoDiscover the deliciousness of New York-style pizza at Fini Pizza in Utah City
-
Vermont43 minutes agoVermont teen dies in crash with tree