Virginia lawmakers are taking a cautious approach to legalizing online casino gaming, choosing to study its potential impact before moving forward with any new legislation.
While early proposals suggested that iGaming could bring billions in revenue to the state, officials say they need more time to assess how online casinos would affect existing brick-and-mortar venues, the lottery system, and consumer protections.
The findings of an ongoing state study will likely shape whether Virginia introduces a full iGaming bill in 2026. The meetings will conclude on November 30th.
Virginia lawmakers are continuing to explore the legalization of iGaming, but have decided to delay any immediate action. Two bills, Senate Bill 827 and House Bill 2171, introduced in late 2024, were tabled in January 2025 to allow more time for research and public discussion.
A legislative body called the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Feasibility of Establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission, formed in 2023, is leading this review. The group is studying how iGaming might fit within the state’s existing gaming structure. They are also looking into whether Virginia should create a dedicated regulator to oversee casinos, sports betting, and online gaming under one umbrella.
Lawmakers and analysts estimate that legal iGaming could generate as much as $5.3 billion in new state revenue over five years, creating a strong financial incentive to move forward. Under the proposed framework, the Virginia Lottery Board would issue licenses to online casino operators, charging a $1 million application fee and imposing a 15 percent tax on gross gaming revenue. Each physical casino could host up to three online branded platforms under its license.
However, there is still opposition. The Virginia Lottery has warned that it may already be “over-burdened” by existing casino development projects, while some major operators, including The Cordish Companies, have urged caution about expanding into online gaming too quickly.
Because of these concerns, lawmakers expect that any comprehensive iGaming legislation will not move forward until 2026, after the state’s ongoing study concludes and a new regulatory framework is potentially established.
If approved, the significant revenue from iGaming could be helpful for the state, potentially funding public priorities such as education, infrastructure, and community development.
As for regulation, the push to create a statewide gaming commission highlights growing concerns about maintaining market integrity and ensuring strong consumer protections. Officials want to make sure the state can oversee online operations effectively while preventing problem gambling, fraud, and other risks associated with digital wagering.
Currently, Virginia residents have no online casino option. This makes it risky that they could turn to offshore platforms, which don’t have the same safeguards in place as regulated operators. With that in mind, it makes sense for the state to move forward with legal iGaming.
Since legal sports betting has been a major success in the state, there’s a reasonable chance that online casinos will soon follow.
