State News
Virginia Internet Gaming Bill Delayed for Further Study, Eyes 2026 Launch
A proposal to legalize internet gaming in Virginia has been put on hold as lawmakers seek more time to assess its potential impact. Senate Bill 827, introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, would authorize the Virginia Lottery Board to issue licenses to casino gaming operators for online gaming.
Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton (left), on Monday requested a Senate subcommittee postpone discussing her bill on online gaming. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)
Locke requested the Senate Subcommittee on Gaming postpone discussing the bill on Monday, citing the need for additional study. “This bill is designed to authorize reputable, regulated companies to offer internet gaming to Virginians within a safe and legal market,” Locke said. “However, after introducing this bill, we have decided that it requires further study on this issue.”
She expects the proposal to be ready for consideration by 2026.
Under the legislation, operators would pay a $1 million application fee and a 15% tax on earnings, with revenue distributed to local governments, the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund (2.5%) and the state’s General Fund (97.5%).
Despite the potential for new revenue streams, the proposal has raised concerns. The Department of Planning and Budget has warned that internet gaming could reduce revenue for the Lottery Proceeds Fund and School Construction Fund due to its potential impact on lottery sales and casino gaming taxes.
The Virginia Lottery also projected a net negative impact on overall state revenues, according to the fiscal impact statement.
Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.
Ole Timer’s Antiques Celebrates 25 Years on Front Royal’s Main Street
Protecting the Valley: Lessons from Prince William County’s Data Center Boom
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for June 15 – 19, 2026
Beth Macy Brings Congressional Campaign to Warren County Democratic Gathering
A Gardener’s Guide to Surviving Your Pets
Why ‘Tom Sawyer’ Still Matters 150 Years Later
Commentary: The Exemption Virginia Can’t Price and Won’t Stop
New House Budget Strips Environmental Standards for Data Centers, Creates Commission Instead
Spanberger Defends Wave of Vetoes as Frustrated Democrats Push Back
Front Royal’s Juneteenth Celebration Returns for Third Year of Music, Food, and Community
Diabetes Reversal Group Brings Health Awareness Campaign to Valley Baseball League
Elder Abuse Awareness Day Highlights Hidden Harm Facing Older Adults
Right Tools Can Make Hobby Farming Easier and Safer
In Albemarle County, Park’s Edge Residents Endure Stinking Floods, Rat Infestations, Fire Hazards
Frederick Nigel Lewis (1962 – 2026)
Virginia State Police Weekly Operations Seize Guns, Drugs, and Cash
Historic Hike Explores Lost Belmont Vineyards in Warren County
Injunction Pauses ‘Unconstitutional’ USDA Conditions for SNAP, WIC Funding to Virginia, Other States
Strong Candidates in Alaska, Ohio Seen as Moving US Senate Races Toward Dems
Some Virginians with Past Felonies Can Apply to Seal Their Records, Starting Next Month
Virginia Superintendent Reaffirms to Congress Loudoun’s Commitment to Student Needs, Parental Cooperation
Business Growth Series: Busy All Day and Still Not Growing? Here’s Why
Do You Remember Your First Color TV?
No Way Out: How Virginia Law Fails Vulnerable Renters
