As lawmakers in Virginia gather around the committee table, a big question hangs in the air: should the state embrace iGaming, the online casino games people already play on their phones? That debate is now shifting from speculation to scrutiny, with billions of dollars in potential taxable revenue being discussed over the next five years.
How the pitch lands
The recent subcommittee meeting opened with presentations that carried both optimism and caution. Supporters argue legal iGaming could pull players away from unregulated platforms and onto safer, taxed ones. Estimates show that Virginians spent billions on unregulated online casino play in 2024 alone, money that could have been taxed and redirected to public funds.
Del. Marcus Simon, who authored a previous bill, pointed out that the Virginia Lottery Board could issue temporary licenses until a full gaming commission is in place. He presented a proposal that included a one million dollar application fee for operators, with renewal choices ranging from one million dollars per year to eight million dollars for five year terms. Platform providers would face a fifty thousand dollar fee for five years.
Where caution cuts in
The meeting, however, was far from one sided. Policy experts urged lawmakers to slow down. One of the main concerns raised was the potential impact on problem gambling. Studies indicate that proximity to a casino doubles a person’s chances of gambling issues, and online access could heighten those risks even further.
Industry consultants noted that other states such as New Jersey have tried to curb these risks with harm-reduction tools like deposit limits, spending dashboards and player control systems. While helpful, these measures are not considered a complete solution.
Another issue highlighted came from the Department of Planning and Budget, which suggested that internet gaming could siphon funds away from existing revenue streams such as the lottery and education funding. This tension between new income potential and possible loss of established funding explains why the proposal has previously stalled and is now only under study once again.
What comes next
Lawmakers agreed not to rush toward approval. Instead, the committee will meet again later this year to examine Virginia’s existing casinos and consider the design of a potential gaming commission. Recommendations are expected to be prepared in time for the 2026 legislative session.
For now, the state remains in a holding pattern, weighing the promise of billions against the risks that come with opening the digital casino floor.
