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- Virginia is moving closer to legalizing online casino gaming as lawmakers prepare for significant regulatory reforms ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
- Proposals focus on authorizing internet-based casino games and creating a centralized Virginia Gaming Commission to unify gambling oversight, reflecting the state’s expanding gaming market.
Virginia lawmakers are preparing to revisit the structure and scope of gambling regulation with two key proposals: House Bill 161 and legislation to form the Virginia Gaming Commission.
Delegate Marcus Simon introduced HB 161 to permit online casino gambling in the state, allowing licensed casino operators to offer up to three online platforms, subject to licensing fees and a 15% revenue tax.
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.
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.
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 operational consistency, benefiting industry stakeholders and players alike by fostering a fair and competitive market environment.
Based on reporting by Johnny K for World Casino Directory.
