Virginia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would legalize iGaming in the state.
The bipartisan group has pre-filed House Bill 161 (HB 161) for the 2026 General Assembly session that begins on January 14. It would allow for the launch of online casinos and poker sites. Virginia is already home to land-based casinos and legal sports betting.
The state would join seven others in offering iGaming if the bill progresses. Proponents of legalization say that it would significantly boost state revenue and protect consumers who already use offshore gambling sites.
The proposed framework would place the Virginia Lottery Board in charge of issuing as many as 15 licenses, each costing $500,000, for operators wishing to offer online games such as slots, blackjack, and roulette.
the bill would allow operators to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement
The bill’s language specifically prohibits any sweepstakes casinos, a hot topic as of late. Poker fans also noted that the bill would allow operators to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, enabling them to share players with other states, such as Michigan and Nevada.
HB 161 proposes a 15% tax rate on gross gaming revenue and allocates 5% annually for the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. An additional 6% would be allocated every year into the Internet Gaming Hold Harmless Fund until January 2030.
