With a 19–17 vote on Monday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 118, bringing Virginia one significant step closer to allowing online casinos.

Mamie Locke (D-Hampton City) introduced SB118, which would permit the five licensed physical casinos to run table games and slot machines online. 

Locke's measure was changed on Monday to mandate that a significant amount of time be allowed to enable for the proper evaluation and implementation of responsible gaming safeguards connected to online casinos, since many senators are concerned about increased gambling. No licensed internet casino may open for business in the commonwealth until at least July 1, 2027, according to the amended legislation.

Changes to the Virginia iGaming Bill 

SB118 was revised to allay worries that the state was hurrying toward increased gambling without adequately guaranteeing consumer protections in order to gain the majority support in the Virginia Senate.

According to the measure, the Virginia Lottery Board must wait until January 2027 to establish rules for iGaming. Before the end of the year, a town hall and a 30-day comment period will be applied to a summary of the proposed online casino regulations. On July 1, 2027, the provisions would be put into effect.

The ability for casinos to obtain iGaming licenses for $500,000, with yearly renewals at $250,000, remained unchanged in SB118. However, those agreements would cost $2 million up front and be renewed annually at a cost of $1 million if the casino intends to use a third-party iGaming partner.

Up to three online gaming platforms, or skins, may be partnered with or operated by each casino. A 15% tax would be applied to iGaming's gross revenue.

The Virginia General Fund would receive 89% of the tax revenue. Up to January 1, 2030, five percent would go to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and six percent would go to the Internet Gaming Hold Harmless Fund, which would be used to offset losses at physical casinos.

Later today, the Virginia House of Delegates is anticipated to discuss iGaming on the floor.

Senate Approves Fairfax Casino Bill

The most recent gaming bill to pass the Senate is the Virginia iGaming bill.

Senate Bill 756, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), was approved 23–14 last week. With the concession designated for Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, the bill aims to approve a sixth casino license.

Local governments and the general population oppose SB756. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors explicitly opposed a casino in a position statement to its 2026 Legislative Program in December. Several local civic associations and homeowners have also voiced opposition to gambling.

The county needs new revenue, according to supporters, to stop rising property taxes. The argument that a casino in Northern Virginia would generate substantial tax revenue and capture gaming money that is currently flowing into Maryland is also gaining traction among state legislators throughout the commonwealth.

One of the wealthiest areas of the United States is Northern Virginia.