Virginia iGaming Bill Advances from Senate to House
Virginia’s iGaming bill, which would allow internet casino gaming, including slots and blackjack, narrowly passed the Senate with a 19-17 vote on Monday, after lawmakers had previously voted against it on the same day.
Senate Bill 118, introduced by Sen. Mamie E. Locke, would allow each of the state’s casinos to offer iGaming through up to three platforms, in partnership with operators.
Before operating in the state, each platform would have an initial fee of $2 million. Operator license fees would total $500,000, including a $250,000 annual renewal fee.
Additionally, SB 118 also states that the regulated market will be overseen by the Virginia Lottery, with a proposed tax rate of 15%.
After the first vote on Monday, when lawmakers voted 19-20 against it, it went to a reconsideration request where lawmakers added amendments to the bill. One of those amendments included the provisional launch date for the market, set for 1 July 2027.
Additionally, a fiscal impact review of the proposed iGaming market by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission estimates that, after five years, iGaming net revenue would be $4.1 billion. Total revenue to the state is estimated to be $1.1 billion, with iGaming tax revenue expected to generate $818 million.
The bill now heads to the House.
- Virginia’s iGaming bill has passed the Senate, and will now head to the House for its next vote
- The bill estimates the state could generate approximately $1.1 billion in revenue after five years.
- Each casino in the state would have the opportunity to partner with up to three operators, which will be regulated under the Virginia Lottery.
