Virginia is not well-known for being a gambling state, despite having gaming options for over 30 years. However, in recent years, the number of options for live and online gambling have exploded.
This explosion in gambling growth has brought challenges as oversight of Virginia gambling falls to numerous agencies.
Now, Virginia lawmakers are looking at consolidating gaming oversight by forming a state Gaming Commission. The state has been studying the matter since last October, and lawmakers appear ready to introduce legislation in the 2025 legislative session to establish a commission.
Key Highlights
- Virginia studying whether to launch a Virginia Gaming Commission.
- Consultants recommend setting aside funding for the Commission and to allow the VA Lottery to continue oversight for the lottery.
- Subcommittee expected to suggest legislation to create the VGC in January 2025.
Joint Subcommittee Expected to Recommend Formation of Gaming Commission
In 2023, the Virginia legislature commissioned a joint subcommittee study to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a Virginia Gaming Commission. The committee has met five times since the formation of the study and it now appears that the subcommittee is ready to submit its findings.
The most recent meeting of the Subcommittee was on August 21. During this meeting, Brianne Doura-Schawohl of Doura-Schawohl Consulting, LLC recommended that the panel commit funding to establish the Virginia Gaming Commission. She explained that a single organization is best suited for gambling oversight and to ensure that appropriate problem gambling protections are offered to players.
During the meeting, it was also suggested that the Virginia Lottery be allowed to continue to oversee the state lottery.
Currently, the VA Lottery oversees the lottery, casino gaming, and sports betting in the state. Casino and sports betting oversight would be moved to the new commission.
I think oftentimes maybe we get complacent, and things grow, and we don’t acknowledge the growth. We don’t acknowledge the value that they can bring and sort of we lose control. So now, we’re reeling all of this back in.
Terry L. Austin, Virginia State Delegate
Lawmaker Says That Commission Will Allow The State To Reel in Gaming
Del. Terry Austin spoke with WDBJ7 News regarding the establishment of a commission. He stated, “I think oftentimes maybe we get complacent, and things grow, and we don’t acknowledge the growth. We don’t acknowledge the value that they can bring and sort of we lose control. So now, we’re reeling all of this back in.”
As Del. Austin states, Virginia is a patchwork system when it comes to regulation and oversight. He explained, “VDACS (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) regulates some of it. State Police now investigate and regulate some of it. Casinos have their regulations, their policies, how those machines report back to the Commonwealth, so we’ve got a good accounting of what’s taking place.”
Problem gambling has become an issue, the ability to enforce problem gambling and help people who’ve asked for help and put themselves on a problem gambling list. We need to be able to support all of that.
Terry L. Austin, Virginia State Delegate
Austin continued, “Problem gambling is also involved here. Problem gambling has become an issue, the ability to enforce problem gambling and help people who’ve asked for help and put themselves on a problem gambling list. We need to be able to support all of that.”
Legislation to Establish Commission Could be Coming in January
WDBJ reporter Joe DeShields gave additional information regarding his talk with Del. Austin. He explained that Del. Austin is looking closely on how a new regulatory system would impact the Equine industry and how it would impact charitable gaming that benefits non-profits in Virginia.
The most interesting revelation came at the very end of the report when DeShields stated that Austin said to expect legislation when lawmakers return to Richmond in January. By that, he means that the Subcommittee is expected to offer a recommendation of legislation.
If this happens, it would be well ahead of the timeline established in the study. The study is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2025, meaning that the committee will be almost a year ahead of schedule with its recommendation.
A recommendation of a Virginia Gaming Commission was to be expected, especially after the state agreed to launch brick-and-mortar casino gambling. Five locations have legalized live casino gambling, with a sixth location to hold a referendum vote in November.
Online sports betting is also legal in the state, and some feel that it is just a matter of time before online casino gambling is considered by the legislature.
Sources
https://studies.virginiageneralassembly.gov/studies/667
https://www.wdbj7.com/2024/08/21/state-lawmakers-consider-new-gaming-commission/
https://www.casino.org/news/virginia-lawmakers-mull-formation-of-gaming-commission/
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2024/08/23/76330-virginia-lawmakers-weigh-creation-of-state-gaming-commission
