Virginia lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 118 (SB118) to legalize online casino gaming, following amendments to enhance consumer protection and address problem gambling.
Senate Bill 118 Advances
This isn’t Virginia’s first attempt to legalize iGaming. Earlier efforts focused on generating tax revenue from online casinos. Despite past failures due to security concerns, SB118 progresses well, having received approval from the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee and moving to the Finance and Appropriations Committee.
The Virginia Lottery Board must develop rules for problem gambling, including prevention and intervention strategies. Operators must educate players on game mechanics and risks and support responsible gambling initiatives.
The bill requires operators to offer statewide self-exclusion, cooling-off periods, and player-defined limits, with platforms providing pop-up notifications and detailed account statements.
Factors Aiding SB118’s Progress
Stricter advertising regulations also contributed to the bill’s advancement. Ads must avoid targeting minors and vulnerable groups while promoting problem gambling resources. Operators can’t send gambling communications during self-imposed suspensions.
SB118 strengthens enforcement against unlicensed operators and introduces penalties for unlawful gaming activities and equipment tampering.
Alongside iGaming, House Bill 515 (HB515) also advanced, focusing on sports betting payment methods. It prohibits credit card use for funding sports betting accounts, passing the House after introduction.
Virginia legislators are actively discussing gambling reforms, including House Bill 145, which updates the Fantasy Contests Act to change taxation and oversight of fantasy sports.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com