THE Virginia Senate approved the project by a minimum margin SB 118which authorizes online casinos (iGaming) in the state of Virginia. The detail that caught the most attention: even if everything progresses, the launch can only happen on July 1, 2027.
The vote was tense: the project was rejected on the same day, returned to the plenary and passed 19 to 17. The tight scoreboard shows that the theme strongly divides local politicians.
What the SB 118 bill unlocks in Virginia
If it becomes law, SB 118 allows online casinos to be regulated by the Virginia Lottery. The main points:
- Licenses only for casinos that already operate in the state
- License fee: US$ 500 thousand (5 years) + renewal of US$ 250 thousand
- Until 3 platforms per operator (each pays US$2 million)
- 20% tax about iGaming revenue
- 6% extra fee for economic development
Where does the money go
- 95% of tax → Public Education Fund
- 3% → Gaming Regulatory Fund
- 2% → Problem Gambling Treatment Fund
In addition, a fund was created to offset possible losses from physical casinos in cities such as Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Petersburg.
Why only in 2027?
Even if the Chamber approves and the governor sanctions it, the Senate placed a effective date locked: July 1, 2027.
The planned schedule is:
- Until Jan/2027: regulator defines the rules
- Jul/2027: iGaming can start operating
- 2027/28: first year of fundraising
In other words, no online casino “for yesterday”.
How much money it can make (and the hidden risk)
Official projections indicate:
- US$343 million in revenues in the first full year
- Passing from US$1 billion per year in a few years
But there is an important caveat:
The report of the JLARC warns that iGaming can cannibalize the online lottery of the state, dropping iLottery revenue by up to 50% in the medium term. In other words, part of the money only changes pockets within the government itself.
Arguments for and against
Who defends
The senator Mamie Locke says the project:
- Take strength from illegal market online casino
- Brings collection and clear rules
- Follows the path of other US states that have already released iGaming
Who is against
The senator Bill Stanley criticized the risk of addiction:
Putting a casino inside a cell phone would be taking the “slot machine into people’s pockets”.
Critics also fear:
- Increased dependency
- Negative impact on physical casinos and jobs
- More pressure on state lottery
And now? The project could still fall
SB 118 now goes to Virginia House of Delegates. There, there is another project (HB 161) that requires two approvals in different yearswhich can push everything to 2028.
The Chamber may:
- Approve as is
- Change the date
- Demand new vote in 2027
- Or simply crash the project
Strategic reading (looking at the market)
For those who follow iGaming and betting, the message is clear:
The US continues to open the market for online casinobut in a way slow, political and full of brakes. Virginia wants the fundraising money, but tries to protect itself from the political cost (addiction, lottery, social impact).
Direct summary:
Virginia said “yes, but with the handbrake on”. If everything goes well, the online casino will only be launched in 2027 — and could be delayed further if the Chamber complicates the game.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
