Virginia Delegate Files Online Casino Bill With Up to 15 Possible Skins

Virginia just took steps towards legalizing online casinos in 2026.

A state legislator presented House Bill 161, which would legalize iGaming throughout the Commonwealth. The Bill calls for the use of skins to add the new form of gambling for all in-state residents and guests.

While only seven states have passed legalization, Virginia is one of several that are poised to expand their gaming markets this year.

Getting a headstart

The bill was prefiled by Del. Marcus Simon (D) ahead of the legislative session, which begins on Wednesday.

According to the terms of the bill, each licensed retail casino operator would be allowed to offer up to three skins, thereby permitting 15 online casino platforms, based on the state’s five land-based locations.

Online casino partners would need to agree to partnerships with retail locations and pass the vetting process by the Virginia Lottery to be eligible for launch. Additionally, retail facilities would be required to submit a notice of intent for each platform, as well as a $2 million fee for each skin. Each online partner would operate under separate brands.

The Virginia Lottery would regular the market similar to how it does its sports betting industry, only offering legal and regulated options to Virginia gamers.

The five retail casinos that would be eligible to launch online casino skins are:

• Rivers Casino Portsmouth 
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
• Caesars Virginia (Danville)
• Norfolk Casino
• Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia (Petersburg)

 The Norfolk location already opened a temporary gaming location in November. The Petersburg facility is expected to open its temporary home later this month.

Following the money

HB 161 would allow online casino skins to receive five-year operational licenses, available for $500,000 upfront and $250,000 for every renewal. Vendors and suppliers would need to meet different licensing and suitability requirements.

The state would impose a 15 percent tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue. Five percent of that would be allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.

Additionally, six percent of all tax revenue until Jan. 1, 2030, would be given to an internet Gaming Hold Harmless Fund designed to help refill retail casinos’ coffers, in the event they lose out on revenue to their online partners.

After the 2030 deadline, 95 percent of revenue would be sent to the state’s General Fund.

State lawmakers attempted to forward online casino legislation during the brief 2025 session, although they did not get it over the line.

Elsewhere around the country, legalization efforts were raised this week in Indiana and New York. The only states with legal iGaming remain as follows:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia