In the US, only 7 states offer online casino gaming or iGaming. These are Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Will Virginia join the list this year? Let us take a look at the bills in place for gambling in Virginia this 2025, and find out what to expect in the state.
There are two main gambling expansion points for Virginia that can allow for a more profitable betting market. There is an upcoming 30-day legislative session where two bills will be on the table. One for online casino gaming, and one for betting on in-state college teams. If you want to become a bookie, both options are readily available with a good pay per head bookie software. However, this option is not yet available for operators in Virginia.
Bills in Place for Gambling in Virginia this 2025: iGaming
The most substantial proposed change comes from Democratic State Sen. Mamie Locke’s recently pre-filed legislation focusing on iGaming. This comprehensive bill would empower the Virginia Lottery Board to oversee online casino operations throughout the area.
Under the proposed framework, existing brick-and-mortar casino operators would have the opportunity to enter the online space. Operators can do this by paying a $1 million application fee and committing to a 15% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue. Casino operators would have the flexibility to operate up to three distinct platforms. They will also have the option to partner with external platform providers
Timing also appears to be a key consideration in the legislation’s implementation. Should the bill pass, the Virginia Lottery Board would need to establish comprehensive regulations by September 30, 2025. However, the process could begin sooner. This is because the lottery director would have the authority to start accepting license applications as early as July 1, 2025. Its important to be able to define the terms for operations, as it helps with reducing risks in a sportsbook, or a casino, in this case.
Expansion for Sports Betting in Virginia
Running parallel to the iGaming initiative is Senate Bill 124, which addresses a current limitation in Virginia’s sports betting framework. The bill aims to lift the existing prohibition on betting on in-state college teams. however, it will have careful restrictions in place. While it would allow basic betting options like game outcomes and point totals, it maintains restrictions on proposition bets to ensure the integrity of college athletics.
This isn’t entirely new territory for Virginia legislators. The same bill faced challenges in 2024, when Democratic Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg’s efforts were temporarily halted in committee. Rather than rejecting the proposal outright, the Senate’s finance and appropriations committee chose to defer consideration to 2025.
If you want to become a bookie, keep in mind that its always best to have more gambling and betting options available. Limiting the products also limits your potential to earn. Even more, it makes you lose your competitive advantage. But with your bookie software, such as Easy Pay Per Head, that won’t be a problem as you will have more than enough betting and iGaming options to offer.
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