The plan to allow iGaming in Virginia, Senate Bill 827, has been put on hold by Virginia lawmakers. The ruling is made as lawmakers look for more time to consider the possible outcomes of allowing regulated internet gaming.
Senator Mamie Locke introduced the bill, which would provide the Virginia Lottery Board the authority to grant iGaming licenses to casino operators. Operators would have to pay a $1 million application fee and a 15% earnings tax if they were accepted. Local governments, the state’s General Fund, and the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund would all profit from the money raised.
Locke emphasized the bill’s intention to establish a safe and regulated online gaming market in Virginia. She stated, “This bill is designed to authorize reputable, regulated companies to offer internet gaming to Virginians within a safe and legal market.”
Additional Study Needed
Despite the proposal’s objectives, Locke requested the Senate Subcommittee to delay its discussion, citing the need for more thorough research. Speaking to the Virginia Mercury, she explained, “After introducing this bill, we have decided that it requires further study on this issue.”
In order to address concerns and improve the concept, the senator plans to revisit the measure during the upcoming session.
West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states currently allow legal iGaming while Virginia decides what to do next. Video poker is one of the few online gambling choices available in some areas, such as Nevada.
By eventually embracing iGaming, Virginia might join these states, growing its gambling sector while maintaining appropriate gaming policies and regulatory monitoring.
The post Virginia Lawmakers Delay iGaming Bill for Further Review appeared first on iGaming.org.