Casinos, Online Sports Betting Gaining Traction In Virginia

VIRGINIA — The Virginia Lottery Board on Wednesday approved initial regulations for proposed casinos in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond. In 2020, the General Assembly designated the Virginia Lottery as the regulator of casinos in the state, along with mobile sports wagering.

For casinos, the Virginia Lottery will require that each game that operates electronically be connected to a central monitor and control system. Casino wagers must be conducted only with tokens, chips, or electronic cards purchased from the facility operator. Casinos will not be allowed to extend credit to players.

The Virginia Lottery said it will refine the initial regulations through a rulemaking process that will include an opportunity for public participation. The 2020 casino legislation passed by the General Assembly required adoption of an initial regulatory framework by April 2021.

At its Wednesday meeting, the Virginia Lottery Board also received an update on the recent launch of mobile sports betting in Virginia.

Live sports wagering launched in Virginia on Jan. 21 and now includes five approved permit holders: FanDuel in conjunction with the Washington Football Team; Draft Kings; BetMGM LLC; Rivers Casino Portsmouth; and Caesars Virginia LLC.

FanDuel Sportsbook launched Jan. 21 in Virginia, DraftKings Sportsbook went live Jan. 24 and BetMGM Sportsbook and BetRivers.com opened to customers in the state Jan. 27. Caesars Virginia went live on Wednesday, just in time for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Each will provide online and mobile platforms for sports betting enthusiasts.

“The Lottery’s role as regulator is based on its three-decade track record as a respected and trusted gaming authority in the Commonwealth,” Kevin Hall, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, said in a statement. “The Lottery’s professional staff and our Board will work to protect the public interest by ensuring the integrity of casino gaming through the strict enforcement of the law and our regulations.”

For casino operators, the Virginia Lottery said it will conduct a review of casino operators when applications are submitted, including criminal history and financial reviews of designated gaming operators. Regulatory requirements also will specify internal controls and on-site security and surveillance requirements.