Virginia Gaming Reorganization Bill could Spark More Expansion
Virginia legislators have presented legislation to develop the state's first-ever gaming commission in a move that might help accelerate additional video gaming growth.
- Lawmakers presented legislation to produce the Virginia Gaming Commission, moving oversight from the state lottery game.
- Separate legislation would legislate real-money online gambling establishment video gaming, allowing brick-and-mortar gambling establishments to partner with approximately three third-party iGaming operators.
- While the video gaming commission costs already has bipartisan assistance, iGaming faces political and industry opposition that could complicate passage in 2026.
The expenses introduced in both chambers this week would reassign oversight of Virginia's gambling establishment, sports wagering, everyday dream sports, and historical horse racing industries from the state lottery game to the new Virginia Gaming Commission. This would have a minimal direct impact on Virginia sports gamblers or DFS players, however it could help spur further industry growth in a state that had actually opposed gambling for centuries.
Established in 1987, the Virginia Lottery was the very first modern form of "betting" legislated in the Old Dominion given that its founding more than 400 years earlier. It was the rational government body to manage the boom in new gambling types recently, and now legislators intend to spread out oversight.
The Virginia Lottery would continue to exist. The new commission would manage most other types of regulated gambling.
Online casino potential
The reorganization expense comes as Virginia is set to once again consider real-money online casino gaming legislation. In a separate proposal, Virginia would enable third-party iGaming operators to partner with brick-and-mortar gambling establishments to use digital slots, table video games, and poker.