Virginia lawmakers discussed creating a statewide gaming commission during a subcommittee meeting, with the proposal due for further consideration in the 2026 legislative session. The body could oversee casinos, sports betting, charitable gaming and any future online gambling; lawmakers have not approved the proposal.
A new commission could shift oversight of Virginia gambling from the state lottery to a dedicated authority.
The day’s most important stories, free. One email a day.
Virginia sports bettors wagered $581,335,802 in May, according to the Virginia Lottery’s monthly report. Operators reported $63,324,563 in adjusted gross revenue and generated $9,478,671.49 in tax revenue.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed Senate Bill 661 on 13 April 2026, rejecting a proposal to allow more than 25,000 skill games machines in the state. The bill would have imposed a 25% tax on gross profits and assigned regulation to the Virginia Lottery; Spanberger said the measure lacked a centralised, independent regulatory authority.
Virginia’s House General Laws Committee voted 12–7 to advance Senate Bill 756 to the Appropriations Committee, according to the report. The amended proposal would allow Fairfax County to host a casino and raises the licensing fee to $150 million; further approval and local referendums would be required.
Virginia’s House of Delegates passed House Bill 161 on 17 February, after a second vote, the report said. The House and Senate have each passed an iGaming proposal, but lawmakers must agree on a final version before online casinos can launch; the House measure sets a 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue and a 6% economic development fee.
Virginia’s House of Delegates passed HB 515 by 94–3 on 28 January, sending the measure to the Senate. The bill would bar the Virginia Lottery from allowing sportsbooks to accept credit card deposits or withdrawals; sponsor Del. Marty Martinez said it aims to discourage gambling with borrowed money.