iGaming Discussions in Virginia Continue as Bill Is Put on Hold

Earlier this year, Virginia lawmakers put on hold bills aimed at legalizing iGaming in the state. However, discussions have persisted, with industry advocates investing heavily in the upcoming legislative elections.

iGaming Could Create a Billion-Dollar Economy in Virginia, If It’s Allowed

In December 2024, Senator Mamie Locke introduced Senate Bill 827, but she requested a delay in January to allow more time for studying the industry. While the bill remains on hold, the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Feasibility of Establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission has continued to explore the matter. Formed in 2023, the subcommittee was tasked with evaluating the possibility of creating a new gambling regulator in the state.

The group met in August and discussed the potential legalization of iGaming, a sector that has billions of dollars potentially in the works. Locke’s bill would authorize the Virginia Lottery Board to issue online casino licenses. Operators would be required to pay a $1 million application fee, along with a 15% tax on their revenue. Each of the state’s five casinos would be allowed to apply for up to three iGaming skins. Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020, and since its launch in January 2021, sportsbooks have accepted $24.7 billion in wagers, generating $2.4 billion in revenue.

Recently, Virginia Public Radio reported that the establishment of a new regulatory agency could become a top priority during the 2026 legislative session, as lawmakers have suggested that the agency would need to be in place before any further expansion of gambling.

Some Oppose the Introduction of iGaming in the State

The Virginia Lottery has previously expressed opposition to the expansion, with a representative stating that the agency is already overwhelmed by the development of five casinos at different stages. The Cordish Companies, which holds rights to a casino in Virginia, is a leading opponent of online casino expansions across the US. It is a primary member of the National Association Against iGaming, a group formed earlier this year in collaboration with Churchill Downs Inc.

David Rebuck, the former director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, testified before the subcommittee in August, addressing concerns that the legalization of online casinos in New Jersey would lead to cannibalization. He stated that those fears never materialized.

Rebuck explained that there were concerns about casino workers losing their jobs and the negative impact on industries supporting casinos. However, he emphasized that iGaming had proven to be complementary to existing forms of gaming and crucial for sustaining the growth of land-based casinos.