Virginia Senators Receive $100K Donations After Supporting Online Casino Bill

According to David M. Poole of the Poole Report, five Virginia senators who supported online casino legalization each received $100,000 in campaign contributions from the Sports Betting Alliance. The donations came after the 2026 legislative session. The senators who received the contributions were Christie Cragig, Danny Diggs, Emily Jordan, Todd Pillion, and Glen Sturtevant. 

All five are Republican senators, and they supported Sen. Mamie Locke's online casino bill this past session. 

Contributions such as these were called out by the National Association Against iGaming, which said these show the industry's growing influence ahead of another push for it in 2027. 

Senators Receive Contributions Months After iGaming Vote

The $100,000 contributions came four months after voting for the online casino proposal, SB 118. 

This was the single largest donation from a corporation or individual in the entire career of all five senators. “I’ve always made my decisions based on what I feel is right,” she said. “And there is no person, group or entity that will affect … what I think is right," Jordan said to Poole. 

Poole also contacted the Sports Betting Alliance, which responded with a written statement: 

“The Sports Betting Alliance supports legislators throughout the country who stand up for increased consumer protections and commitments to responsibility in legal, regulated gaming markets,” the statement said. “We contribute to candidates on both sides of the aisle, and we intend to continue doing so.”

Also, NAAiG spokesman Oliver Barie provided a comment on the donations: 

“No political contributions, no matter how eye-popping, are worth the harm that will be inflicted on Virginians by having 24-7 access to a casino in their pocket,” he said.

Virginia Online Casino Legalization Could Return in 2027

However, online casino legislation didn't pass in Virginia, but it did move further than ever before. The Senate passed SB 118 by a 19-17 vote, and the House advanced HB 161, a proposal of its own, by a 67-30 vote. However, the chambers couldn't reach an agreement on a unified bill.

These proposals would allow up to three online casino brands per land-based partner. A 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue was discussed, having previously been set at 15%. Other things discussed included a $2 million platform free and $500,000 operator license fee. 

We'll see if Virginia's legislative chambers can get on the same page in 2027. Something else they may consider in 2027 is sweepstakes casinos, as SB 579 was amended and a study on their effects wasn't completed in time, thus delaying a ban until at least 2027.