Virginia lawmakers have introduced legislation that would restructure how gambling is regulated in the state while also reopening discussions around legalizing online casino gaming.
The proposals would shift regulatory oversight away from the Virginia Lottery and establish a new Virginia Gaming Commission. Separate legislation would authorize real-money Virginia online casinos if approved.
Virginia Gaming Commission Proposal
House Bill 271 and Senate Bill 195 propose creating the Virginia Gaming Commission, which would assume regulatory authority over most forms of legal gambling currently overseen by the Virginia Lottery.
Under the legislation, the new commission would regulate:
- Brick-and-mortar casinos
- Sports betting
- Daily fantasy sports
- Historic horse racing
The Virginia Lottery would continue operating but would no longer oversee these gaming verticals. Lawmakers have said the restructuring is intended to separate lottery operations from the state’s expanding commercial gaming market.
The regulatory change is not expected to impact current Virginia sports betting or daily fantasy sports customers directly.
Online Casino Legislation Introduced
In a separate proposal, House Bill 161 would legalize real-money online casino gaming in Virginia.
The bill would allow each licensed land-based casino in the state to partner with up to three third-party online operators. Approved platforms would be permitted to offer digital slot games, table games, and online poker.
If enacted, Virginia would become the ninth U.S. state to authorize online casino gaming. Virginia currently has voter-approved casinos in Danville, Bristol, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Petersburg. The legislation would allow those operators to expand into the digital gaming market.
Legislative Outlook
The gaming commission proposal has received bipartisan support, while the online casino bill faces political and industry opposition.
Both measures were introduced during the early stages of Virginia’s 2026 legislative session. Their progress will determine whether the state moves forward with a new regulatory structure and expanded digital gaming options.
