A proposed commission would oversee several Virginia gaming programs

The proposed commission would oversee several forms of gaming and gambling. The commission would regulate the gaming programs assigned to it across Virginia. The commission would oversee charitable gaming, casinos, sports betting, fantasy contests, and historical horse racing. The proposal assigns live and simulcast horse racing to the Racing Commission and the state lottery to the Virginia Lottery. The Lottery would handle the commission’s business during the transition until the commission has a commissioner and enough staff to operate on its own.

The proposal would allow licensed casino operators in eligible cities to offer casino gaming. These provisions apply only to cities that meet the proposal’s eligibility tests and operators licensed by the state. Only cities meeting the proposal’s eligibility tests could host a casino. The city would select a preferred operator, and the state would review it before a local vote. An initial license would require voter approval. Operators would need at least $300 million in capital investment; temporary gaming would require separate state approval and other safeguards. A new local vote would be required if the state does not grant a casino license within five years after the first vote approves it.

The proposal would require state permits for sports betting platforms and facilities and set rules for operators and bettors. The proposed rules cover sports betting platforms and facilities, permit holders, and people placing or accepting bets. The commission could issue four to 12 general permits after creating a consumer protection program; certain permits for sports franchises or casino operators would not count toward that range. Operators would need to protect bettor information, offer ways to restrict betting, and report suspicious activity. Bets on youth sports and Virginia college sports would be barred, as would proposition bets on college sports. Sports betting permits would last three years. The commission could not issue them until the consumer protection program and bill of rights are in place.

The proposal would place charitable gaming and illegal gambling rules under a new statutory framework. These provisions address qualified charitable organizations, gaming businesses, and people involved in illegal gambling. The proposal permits specified charitable games for qualified organizations and sets permit, reporting, and prize rules. It also defines illegal gambling and provides criminal penalties and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per gambling device at an unregulated location.