Virginia Lawmakers Take Another Look at Plans for Gaming Commission

Virginia lawmakers are taking another look at the idea to create a central authority to oversee the state’s expanding gambling industry. During a subcommittee meeting on Monday, officials talked about the possibility to form the Virginia Gaming Commission, an idea that has come up again after years of discussion.

Casino Operators Brief Lawmakers on Community Impact Amid Push for New Gaming Regulator

People from all five of Virginia’s approved casinos came to the meeting to give updates on their local work, reported WDBJ7. These include the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol and Caesars in Danville, two projects that have brought new jobs and tourists to their areas. Lawmakers said the input from these operators would help shape future rules.

Winchester Economic Development Authority Chair Addie Lingle asked the committee to think about giving a casino operator’s license to her city. She talked about Winchester’s plan as one focused on tourism and big events mixing gaming with a resort-like experience. The city council has not voted on the idea yet, but local leaders want to keep talking with state officials.

The city of Fairfax also has plans to build a casino, but Lingle claimed that a spot in the northern Shenandoah Valley could better cater to both locals and travelers passing through the area.

The Virginia Lottery, which now oversees casino operations updated lawmakers on the hurdles of managing the state’s gaming growth. Officials stressed that a dedicated gaming commission would enable clearer supervision as talks about legalizing online casinos, known as iGaming, keep gaining traction.

Senator Locke Urges Oversight Before Expanding iGaming in Virginia

Senator Mamie Locke, who earlier put forward a bill to give the green light to iGaming, thinks Virginia needs to set up a proper watchdog group before letting gambling grow more. Her proposal is on pause, but experts think legal online casinos could bring in over $5 billion in taxable money in five years.

People who know the industry have different views on how iGaming might affect current casinos. David Rebuck, who used to run New Jersey’s Gaming Enforcement Division, told the group earlier this year that worries about online betting hurting brick-and-mortar casinos have not come true elsewhere.

Yet, not everyone wants to move ahead. The Virginia Lottery worries about taking on more work without new tools, while some local groups are concerned about the harm that could come from making gambling easier to access. Lawmakers plan to take another look at the commission idea in the 2026 legislative session. If it gets the green light, the Virginia Gaming Commission would oversee all gambling activities. This includes casinos, sports betting charitable gaming, and any future online platforms. This change would shake up how the state handles its expanding entertainment scene.