Virginia Online Casino Legalization Bill Takes Key First Step
Virginia’s bill to legalize online casinos advanced from a committee with stronger problem gambling safeguards and now heads to the Senate Finance Committee.Summary
Virginia lawmakers have advanced a bill that would legalize online casino gaming, marking a significant first step towards bringing regulated iCasinos to the state. The bill, which passed out of the General Laws Committee with a 9-6 vote, includes enhanced protections against problem gambling, such as automated detection of risky behavior and a three-phase intervention process. Each of the state’s five casinos would be allowed to partner with up to three mobile iGaming operators, each paying a $2 million fee and establishing live dealer studios. While the bill has garnered support from operators like Caesars and Boyd Gaming, who argue it will attract new customers, it faces opposition from Cordish Companies, who fear it will harm brick-and-mortar casinos. The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for further review of its financial implications and potential impact on jobs and existing casinos.
(Source：Headtopics)