Virginia sports betting hits $696M, revenue drops
In October, Virginia's sports betting reached a record $696.1 million, a 21.8% increase compared to $571.4 million in October 2023.With a 6.6% rise compared to the...
Virginia considers iGaming legalization
A new bill, Senate Bill 827, introduced by Senator Locke, could change Virginia’s gaming landscape by legalizing online casinos.
The bill defines online gaming as games of chance such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots. To start the operations, operators need to apply for an iGaming license costing $1 million, which will be valid for five years.
Online gaming licenses would be limited to Virginia’s four licensed casino operators: Caesars Virginia, Golden Eagle Corp., Hard Rock Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. These well-known operators, experienced in managing land-based casinos, would be granted access to launch iGaming platforms.
Virginia’s move toward iGaming shows a growing trend in the U.S., with states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan already legalizing online casinos. This expansion would create a 15% tax on gaming revenue, 2.5% of which would go toward the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.
The bill promotes responsible gambling, requiring age verification and geolocation checks to ensure players are within Virginia or authorized areas. If approved, regulations will be set by September 2025, with license applications opening in July 2025. This bill could position Virginia as a leader in the constantly changing gambling industry.
Filed on New Year’s Eve, the bill could be reviewed as soon as January 8.
Caesars Virginia to welcome its guests starting December 12
Caesars Virginia announced that its 587,000-square-foot casino resort will be opened on December 12 at 12 pm.Earlier this year, in August, Caesars Entertainment announced...
