Condition of Play
As lawmakers are ready for major regulatory changes ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Virginia is getting closer to allowing online casino gaming.
In order to unify gambling oversight and reflect the state’s growing gaming market, proposals center on authorizing online casino games and establishing a centralized Virginia Gaming Commission.
With two major proposals—House Bill 161 and legislation to establish the Virginia Gaming Commission—Virginian lawmakers are getting ready to review the composition and extent of gambling regulation.
In order to establish online casino gaming in the state, Delegate Marcus Simon sponsored HB 161, which permits licensed casino operators to provide up to three online platforms, subject to a 15% revenue tax and licensing fees.
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The measure would allow slots, table games, poker, and live dealer games to be offered online, while it would ban sweepstakes casinos in the commonwealth.
Concurrently, Delegate Paul Krizek is pushing for the creation of a gaming commission to unify gambling oversight currently divided among several agencies, including the Virginia Lottery Board and Racing Commission. Krizek emphasizes that this consolidation aims to streamline regulation, improve enforcement consistency, and support economic opportunities for small businesses and minority-owned firms.
The proposed online casino bill includes responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion and spending limits and earmarks 5% of tax revenues for problem gambling support.
With seven neighboring states already permitting online casino gaming, Virginia aims to keep pace while generating new state revenue streams. Virginia sportsbooks have generated over $2.5 billion since 2021. The establishment of a single regulatory body could enhance clarity and operations.
Online casino bill includes responsible gambling tools
These proposals signify a major shift toward expanded legalized online gambling with consumer protections modeled on Virginia’s existing sports betting framework.
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