Virginia iGaming Back on the Table

Virginia iGaming is back on the table in Richmond as lawmakers weigh legislation that would legalize real-money online casino games in the Commonwealth.

House Bill 161, prefiled ahead of the 2026 legislative session by Del. Marcus Simon, would authorize licensed casino gaming operators to offer iGaming, including online slots and table games. The legislative session begins Wednesday.

If enacted, the measure would mark Virginia’s most significant expansion of regulated gambling since the launch VA sports betting in 2021.

Up to 15 Virginia iGaming Apps

HB 161 would allow each licensed casino gaming operator to offer up to three platforms, effectively permitting as many as 15 online casino skins tied to Virginia’s five approved casino projects.

Casino operators seeking to launch internet gaming would be required to submit a separate notice of intent for each platform, accompanied by a 2 million dollar platform fee. Each platform would operate under a distinct brand, with limited exceptions for online poker.

Lottery Oversight and Tax Use

The bill would place online casino gaming under the authority of the Virginia Lottery Board, which would be responsible for licensing, rulemaking, and enforcement.

HB 161 creates a five-year internet gaming operator license, available to casino operators for an initial fee of 500,000 dollars, with a 250,000 dollar renewal fee. Platform providers and gaming suppliers would be subject to separate licensing and suitability requirements.

The tax rate for online casino gaming would be set at 15% of adjusted gross internet gaming revenue. Of that amount, 5% would be allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.

Until Jan. 1, 2030, an additional 6% would be directed to an Internet Gaming Hold Harmless Fund intended to offset verified revenue losses experienced by retail casinos, with the remainder flowing to the state’s general fund. After 2030, 95% of revenue would be directed to the general fund.

Virginia Online Casino Policy Revisited

Virginia lawmakers declined to advance online casino legislation during the 2025 short session, citing time constraints and unresolved regulatory questions. A similar Senate proposal was withdrawn last year following calls for additional study.

The renewed push comes as Virginia continues to build out its retail casino footprint, with several approved projects still under construction.

Online casino gaming is currently live in seven states, with legalization efforts renewing this week in Indiana and New York, though each has historically encountered resistance from retail casino operators and labor groups.

Photo by Shutterstock/Alexander Ruszczynski