Virginia Online Casino Legalization Likely Pushed to 2027

Virginia lawmakers are keeping online casino legalization alive, but not on a fast track. A bill advancing this week includes new procedural language that effectively delays any possible launch well beyond the near term, signaling continued hesitation inside the General Assembly.

Good to Know

• New language requires approval in two consecutive legislative sessions
• Any legal Virginia online casinos are now unlikely before 2027
• Political divisions around revenue, jobs, and problem gambling remain unresolved

The iGaming legalization bill moved Thursday from the Virginia House of Delegates General Laws Committee to the Virginia House Appropriations Committee, a powerful gatekeeper that could still send the measure to the House floor. However, recently added language now requires the bill to pass full votes in both the House and Senate during this session and again during the 2027 session.

That change sharply reduces the odds of legalization taking effect in 2026. Even if lawmakers approve the bill in both chambers this year, it would need to clear the same hurdle again in 2027, when all House seats will be up for election and political dynamics may shift.

The Senate has already advanced a companion online casino bill, technically keeping a 2026 path alive. In practice, though, the House action suggests limited appetite to push the proposal to a final vote this year. Lawmakers introduced a similar measure in 2025 but ultimately tabled it for further review, setting the stage for the current delay.

Lawmakers Split as Revenue and Risk Debate Continues

Online casino gaming remains one of the most divisive gambling issues facing Virginia lawmakers. Supporters, including two of the state brick and mortar casino operators, argue a regulated iGaming market would create new tax revenue and bring oversight to an already active unregulated online gambling space. During committee hearings, proponents pointed to consumer protections and tax collection as advantages over what they described as a multibillion dollar illegal online casino market operating without safeguards.

Opposition remains firm. Cordish Companies, which operates Live! Casino Virginia, warned lawmakers that online casinos could pull spending away from physical casinos and threaten thousands of jobs. Several legislators echoed those concerns and also raised alarms about expanded access to online slots and table games increasing problem gambling.

The House subcommittee approved the bill by a narrow 5 to 4 vote, with support and opposition crossing party lines. In the Senate, a subcommittee initially rejected the proposal before additional problem gambling protections persuaded several undecided members to reconsider.

The debate in Virginia mirrors challenges seen in other statehouses. Only eight states currently allow online casinos, and just four operate competitive markets similar to what Virginia lawmakers are considering.

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