Virginia iGaming is back on the table in Richmond, where lawmakers are considering legislation to legalize real-money online casino games in the Commonwealth.
Del. filed House Bill 161 ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Marcus Simon proposed allowing licensed casino gaming firms to offer iGaming, which includes online slots and table games. The measure is now awaiting referral to a committee.
If passed, the legislation would be Virginia’s most substantial expansion of regulated gambling since the start of VA sports betting in 2021.
Access to 15 Virginia iGaming applications.
HB 161 would allow each licensed casino gaming operator to provide up to three platforms, allowing for a total of 15 online casino skins linked to Virginia’s five approved casino projects.
ALSO READ: Gov. Mills of Maine will provide tribes the only right to provide online casino games.
Casino owners looking to begin internet gaming would have to submit a separate notice of intent for each platform, along with a $2 million platform fee. Each platform would have its own identity, with the exception of online poker.
Lottery oversight and tax usage
The bill would give the Virginia Lottery Board control over online casino gaming, including licensing, rulemaking, and enforcement.
HB 161 establishes a five-year online gaming operator license available to casino operators for a $500,000 initial price and a $250,000 renewal fee. Platform providers and game vendors would face distinct licensing and suitability criteria.
The tax rate for online casino gaming would be set at 15% of adjusted gross internet gaming revenue. Of that amount, 5% would be allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.
Until Jan. 1, 2030, an additional 6% would be directed to an Internet Gaming Hold Harmless Fund intended to offset verified revenue losses experienced by retail casinos, with the remainder flowing to the state’s general fund. After 2030, 95% of revenue would be directed to the general fund.
Courtesy: https://www.covers.com, https://www.casino.org, https://pechanga.net
