Virginia Begins Debate On Legalizing Online Poker, Gaming
A bipartisan effort to legalize online gaming is underway in Virginia. Online poker and casinos could enhance the state’s gaming landscape; it’s been six years since the state legalized casinos and sports betting.
Delegate Marcus B. Simon is the lead sponsor of House Bill 161. The legislation is intended to bring in badly needed state revenue, as Virginia faces a $1.5 billion shortfall for Fiscal Year 2027.
Supporters also believe legalization will move players from unregulated sites to a more protected environment. The Old Dominion State could also better compete with nearby states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia that offer online poker and casinos.
“We’re not creating a new category here with iGaming,” Simon told a joint subcommittee regarding the issue in August. “My goal is to bring it under a regulated umbrella where we can have some oversight of it and supervision.”
A Boon For Virginia Poker Players
The bill charges the Virginia Lottery Board with regulating the industry. Player protections like self-exclusion and other safeguards are also outlined in the legislation. The tax rate is expected to be worked out during discussions.
For poker players in Virginia, the bill would allow the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. The poker pool across a handful of states increases competition and prize amounts.
Virginia has a population of 8.8 million, which would be a nice boost to MSIGA. Other members in the agreement include Pennsylvania (13 million), Michigan (10.1 million), New Jersey (9.5 million), Nevada (3.2 million), Delaware (1 million), and West Virginia (1.8 million).
Opponents Voice Cannibalization Concerns
The bill was pre-filed ahead of the legislative session, which begins next week. It will then go through a committee process.
Opponents have argued that online gaming would cannibalize the state’s three current brick-and-mortar casinos in Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth. Another casino is expected to open in Petersburg in 2027.
Maine could be the next state to legalize online gaming. Gov. Janet Mills must decide whether to sign the measure into law by the end of this week.