Amended iGaming Bill Gets Virginia Approval With Responsible Gaming Changes
Virginia’s Senate General Laws and Technology Gaming Subcommittee has voted 9-6 in favor of a revised version of SB118.
The bill would see the formation of the Virginia Gaming Commission.
We’ve only just reached the beginning of February, but there has already been a lot of iGaming regulation movement this year.
Especially in Virginia, where Del. Marcus Simon tabled House Bill 161 two weeks ago.
Initial Rejection
The bill was initially voted down by the Senate General Laws and Technology Gaming subcommittee. The group voted 3-4, but there was hope that an amended version would pass muster.
Critics had pointed to the potential cannibalization of the existing retail casino market, as well as possible social implications.
On striking down the original bill, the subcommittee Chairman, Jeremy McPike, said he wanted greater emphasis on problem gambling.
Campaign for Fairer Gambling representative, Brianne Doura-Schawohl, went on to say: “Research is clear, these are the single most addictive gambling products by about 10 times the rate. Is this [group] prepared to turn every Virginian’s hand into a casino?”
With this in mind, Sen. Mamie E. Locke tabled a revised version of the bill, which includes a requirement that 11% of online casino revenue be given over to tackling problem gambling.
The revised bill also imposes requirements on casinos to automatically identify problem gamblers and implement intervention methods and education.
The skeleton of the bill remained the same. Virginia’s land-based casinos would be allowed up to three online skins each, meaning they could partner with up to three different online gambling platforms.
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Each would need to pay an initial $2m fee, plus $500,000 for each online platform. Licenses would need to be renewed every five years, with an accompanying $250,000 renewal fee.
Tax would be set at 15% of adjusted gross revenue. Until 2030, 89% of tax revenue raised would be given to the Virginia General Fund, with the rest going to pay for problem gambling programs and education.
From 2030, 95% would go to the General Fund and 5% would continue to pay for problem gambling relief.
The Virginia Gambling Industry
Virginia is still relatively new to the regulated gambling world. Retail casinos were only regulated in 2020. Five licenses were granted.
Three license holders opened venues in 2023 and 2024, but the two remaining companies have yet to open their permanent doors.
Norfolk Casino opened a temporary venue in November 2025, while Petersburg’s Live! Virginia took a similar move, opening a temporary location on January 22, 2026.
The two temporary casinos are expected to move into their permanent homes in 2027.
There is no guarantee that HB 161 will make it all the way to law. It will now be debated by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
If it makes it past their vote, it will then be heard on the Senate floor, where it would need a majority vote to pass.
House Bill 161 is still also under consideration, meaning that possible regulation is being heard on both fronts.
