Virginia iGaming Legislation For 2025 Is Dead

It’s official: online casinos in Virginia will not be happening. The legislation for it is dead. 

Sen. Mamie Locke, a Democrat of Portsmouth, filed Senate Bill 827 ahead of the Jan. 7 session. This would allow for five casinos in Portsmouth, Danville, Norfolk, Petersburg, and Bristol, each authorized to run three online casinos. 

However, that’s not happening. 

“Requires Further Study”

Despite the submission, Locke and Del. Marcus Simon, a fellow Democrat from Falls Church, said they were shelving online casino bills as this would allow for a comprehensive study to determine the impact of online casino play in Virginia. 

“After introducing this bill, we decided it requires further study,” Locke said.

Del. Paul Krizek, another Democrat from Alexandria and the chair of the chamber’s Gaming Committee, said there are “many questions” that need to be answered before moving proposals like that to the Assembly. 

Shortened Session In Odd Years 

In Virginia, the General Assembly meets for 60 days in even-numbered years. However, in odd-numbered years like 2025, the session is just 30 days. Due to this, Krizek said that the legislative calendar is tough with such big-time legislation. 

Krizek appears aligned with Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's view that a gaming commission should oversee casino gambling, sports betting, and more. Right now, it’s on the shoulders of the Virginia Lottery Board. 

“Even if we wanted to pass this right now, it would be a failure because they (the Virginia Lottery Board) would not be able to handle it. It would be too much,” Krizek said.

Online Casinos are Dead, But Tysons Isn’t

While there won’t be online casinos in Virginia in 2025, a casino in Northern Virginia is moving in the right direction for those who want one. 

Just one day after Senate Bill 982, filed by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, cleared a key subcommittee, it passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on an 11-3 vote. Locke supported it. 

Next, it will go to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, where it will face Committee Chair Sen. L. Louise Lucas, a Democrat from Portsmouth. 

Her opinion regarding a casino in Northern Virginia has waxed and waned over the past few years.