Virginia’s gambling landscape is on the brink of significant change, as the state’s lawmakers have advanced several pivotal bills, including a proposal to legalize online casino gaming. The legislative push for online casinos gained traction in early 2026, despite a bumpy road in previous years. Key adjustments to the bill have brought renewed focus on responsible gambling, with lawmakers strengthening protections for consumers.

A Step Toward Regulated Online Casino Gaming

The bill that would legalize real-money online casino gaming in Virginia has moved past its initial hurdles in the Senate General Laws Committee. Sponsored by Senator Mamie Locke, the bill introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for online casinos, emphasizing problem gambling protections and consumer safeguards. The proposal allows each of the state’s five brick-and-mortar casinos to partner with up to three mobile iGaming operators, each paying a hefty $2 million licensing fee.

Senator Jeremy McPike, a supporter of the measure, praised the updated version of the bill, highlighting the inclusion of stronger consumer protection provisions. He emphasized that Virginia’s proposal is among the most detailed in terms of regulating problem gambling, with automated detection of risky behavior built into the statute. McPike noted that the bill mandates a multi-phase intervention system, aimed at addressing problematic gambling behaviors before they escalate.

The bill’s strong focus on responsible gambling marks a significant shift, as lawmakers have worked to address earlier concerns raised during the subcommittee hearings. These adjustments included removing provisions that would have allowed players to use prepaid cards or credit cards, a move aimed at limiting risky gambling behavior associated with credit card usage.

While the bill’s path appears promising, it still faces challenges. National casino operators, including Caesars and Boyd Gaming, have voiced support for the legalization of online casinos in Virginia, arguing that it will attract new customers and boost revenue without harming brick-and-mortar casino businesses. The companies emphasized that iGaming would complement existing casino operations, generating additional revenue and tax income.

However, some local operators, such as Cordish Companies, have raised concerns, arguing that online casinos could negatively affect the revenue and jobs of Virginia’s physical casinos. The company, which operates Live! Casino Virginia, contends that iGaming would cannibalize traditional casino revenues and increase the risk of problem gambling. Their opposition reflects broader debates seen across the U.S., where some state operators fear the impact of online gambling on their existing businesses.

Organized labor unions have also weighed in, expressing conditional support for the bill. They seek stronger guarantees that job protections will be maintained, particularly in the context of live dealer studios that will be required under the new legislation. Union-backed concerns were pivotal in the failure of Maryland’s online casino push last year, with similar objections being voiced in Virginia.

Credit Card Ban and Other Gambling Bills

Alongside the iCasino proposal, Virginia lawmakers have advanced other significant gambling-related bills. One of the most notable is HB 515, which passed overwhelmingly in the House of Delegates. The bill would prohibit credit cards from being used for online sports betting, a measure that aims to reduce financial harm and promote responsible gambling. As reported by SBC Americas, this bill has garnered strong support from consumer protection advocates, with its sponsor, Delegate Marty Martinez, arguing that credit cards encourage gambling with money players don’t have, which delays the consequences of financial losses.

Martinez’s credit card ban bill reflects a growing trend across several states, including Iowa, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, where similar measures have been implemented to curb the negative impact of credit card use in gambling. Martinez stressed that the legislation is a straightforward consumer protection bill, aimed at preventing users from overspending and engaging in risky gambling behaviors.

As these gaming bills continue their journey through the legislative process, they face further scrutiny in the Senate Finance Committee, where the financial implications of the iCasino bill will be assessed. Lawmakers are also considering the creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission, which would centralize the oversight of both online and offline gambling activities in the state. This proposed regulatory overhaul is seen as necessary to ensure fair practices across all gaming platforms and streamline enforcement.

The iCasino bill’s success in the Senate is not guaranteed, but with the addition of robust consumer protections, it has gained significant momentum. If the bill progresses out of committee and is approved by both the Senate and House, it could position Virginia as the ninth state in the U.S. to legalize real-money online casino gaming.