Online Gambling Could Be Coming to Virginia — Here’s What to Know

Breaking Down the SB 827 Proposal

Senate Bill 827 is a relatively concise six-page document that proposes modifications to Virginia’s current gambling laws. If passed, the bill would allow existing land-based casino operators in Virginia to apply for online gaming licenses. Currently, Virginia hosts only three full-service casinos, including the brand-new Caesars Virginia property in Danville, which features a WSOP-branded poker room with 21 tables. A fourth casino is in the pipeline and could also take part in the online gaming market if the measure is approved.

Under the bill, online gambling operators would be required to pay a 15% tax on their adjusted gross Internet gaming revenue. Most of this revenue — 97.5% — would go directly into Virginia’s general fund, while the remaining 2.5% would be allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. This fund was created last year to provide resources for players struggling with gambling-related issues.

The proposed licensing structure includes an initial $1 million application fee for operators, with the Virginia Lottery Board tasked with regulating the market. The Board would be responsible for creating a framework for online gambling, with a deadline of September 30, 2025, for implementation.

The bill outlines that online gaming would be available to individuals at least 21 years old physically present in Virginia. However, the bill also acknowledges some potential risks, such as an increase in gambling addiction and related consequences, including incarceration or commitment.

While the proposal has been assigned to the state Senate’s Committee on General Laws and Technology, no hearings have been scheduled yet. However, with neighboring states like Pennsylvania making moves in the online gaming world, Virginia may be looking to capitalize on the trend sooner rather than later.

So, What’s Happening in Pennsylvania’s Online Poker Scene

While Virginia continues to debate its online gambling future, Pennsylvania has already made poker headlines this year by officially joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This means Pennsylvania is now the sixth state to embrace shared poker liquidity, connecting its nearly 13 million residents with players in Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy though, it required years of legislative efforts, advocacy, and administrative negotiations across the board. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) finalized its motion in October 2024, following Governor Josh Shapiro’s directive to push forward.