Could online casino gaming be greenlit in Virginia in 2026?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A bill that would've allowed casino operators to run online games in Virginia was delayed in the Senate on Tuesday, with legislators saying it needed "further study." Senate Bill 827, introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), would have allowed the Virginia Lottery to grant reputable casino operators the right to offer online casino gaming to Virginians "within a safe and legal market," according to Locke. If this bill had become law, each operator would have paid a $1 million application fee for this privilege and the resulting licenses would last five years. A 15% tax would have been placed on their online gaming income. Per the bill's text, the Virginia Lottery Board would have been tasked with developing regulations for this online casino gaming that were "consistent, to the extent [that is] practicable," with the Board's current regulations on sports betting. Richmond selects firm to dig deep into what caused water crisis Additionally, there would have been protections in place to ensure only those 21 years of age or older could participate in online casino gaming. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the measure came before a subcommittee on gaming in the Senate. Rather than discuss the bill, at Locke's request, legislators voted unanimously to pass it by for the 2025 General Session. "After introducing this bill, we have decided that it requires further study ... [we would like to] bring it back, after further study, in 2026," Locke said. She requested that a letter be sent to the legislative work group so it could conduct that study. Locke did not elaborate on why she believed SB 827 needed additional work.