On the day after the Super Bowl, the Virginia Senate passed a bill to authorize an eventual referendum allowing voters to choose whether or not to approve the first casino in the state. As a result, the odds of having legal sports betting in Virginia are improving, albeit slightly.
The bill, which is known as SB1126, passed with a vote of 28-12. Passing of the bill may lead to the first casino in Virginia, which would be located in Bristol. Before that can happen, the bill would need to first be passed by the House of Delegates, then signed by the governor and eventually approved by voters.
Although there are still many hurdles before the bill comes into law, Monday’s vote was a very important first step.
If the bill were to clear those hurdles, the proposed Bristol Resort and Casino would be permitted to offer traditional casino games, such as slots and table games, as well as sports betting. Voters in Danville and Portsmouth could also see casinos on the ballot via referendum.
As amended last week by a Senate committee, the bill would still require a legislative study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The commission would review casino gaming laws in other states across the country, while also assessing impacts on Virginia before the matter could reach voters.
That means the referendum cannot be held until after the study is completed, which isn’t due until November of this year.
Another part of the bill also prohibits the Lottery Board from issuing licenses to operate a gaming operation before July 1, 2020.
The Virginia General Assembly only meets for 30 days during odd-numbered years, which means it is adjourning on February 23.
SB1126 is one of seven gambling-related bills that have been introduced in the state in this sessions. The momentum is great news for the state of Virginia, but it appears residents will be placing their bets at neighbouring states, or Washington, D.C., for some time before they have the option to do so in their home state.
Other bills in Virginia include Senate Bill 1238 and 1356. Senate Bill 1238 would establish the Virginia Sports Betting Department and authorize sports betting. The bill cleared the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology in January and is now heading to the Senate Finance Committee.
Senate Bill 1356 is also making its way to the Finance Committee. The bill would change the name of the Virginia Lottery Board to the Virginia Lottery and Sports Wagering Commission, which would allow the department to accept sports betting wagers.
Other key differences in the bill include betting on youth and collegiate sports. SB1238 would prohibit betting on youth and collegiate sports, while SB1356 would allow for betting on youth and collegiate sports outside of Virginia.
The Virginia Lottery and Sports Wagering Commission of SB1356 would operate its own facility, while the Virginia Sports Betting Department established in SB1238 would allow for betting entities to apply for a three-year license, if a local vote approves gambling facilities.
Although SB1356 would create an online platform operated by the Lottery, neither of the bills would legalize private online sports betting.
That doesn’t mean that the push for mobile and online sports betting in Virginia is dead. FanDuel and DraftKings have both lobbied the General Assembly to legalize mobile gambling in addition to sports betting, saying that they would generate millions in tax revenue and help curb illegal gambling in Virginia.
Some supporters believe that Virginia could match New Jersey’s success with sports betting. Over $94 million in revenue was generated in the first six months since sports betting was legalized in New Jersey, both in-person and online.
In SB1238, 50 percent of revenue would go to the locality in which the revenue is generated. In SB1356, 95 percent of the revenue generated from sports gambling would go into the state’s general fund.
For those who are opposed to sports betting, due to concerns over gambling addiction, there is a silver lining in the bills. Both SB1238 and SB1356 aim to fund programs to help compulsive gamblers.
Any bill that heads to the House, such as SB1126, is expected to see opposition from Speaker Kirk Cox, who is against the idea of casinos in Virginia.
Cox said in a statement last year,
I do not believe opening the commonwealth to casino gambling is in the state’s long-term best interests. I will continue to strongly oppose casino gambling and will encourage my colleagues to oppose it as well.
With hesitance expected from Governor Ralph Northam, as well as the friction in both the House and Senate, sports betting in Virginia may not happen until 2020, possibly even later.
About The Author
