Virginia Moves Forward on Online Casino Bill After Heated Debate

Virginia lawmakers adopted another online casino measure amid a fierce debate over legalization. The House of Delegates passed House Bill 161, which would regulate and tax internet casino games.

The law, which passed 67-30 after failing 46-49, would delegate oversight of internet gaming to the Virginia Lottery Board. Operators would be required to get licenses and pay a 15% profit tax, which backers argue would legalize an already profitable business.

Among those who spoke in support of the bill was Delegate Marcus Simon. "It's estimated that iGaming has a US$12 billion business in Virginia that's completely unregulated and untaxed," he said, highlighting the fact that people were already playing casino games online. Therefore, the true purpose of this measure is to place mobile gaming within a highly regulated legal framework that includes consumer rights.

Nonetheless, there was strong opposition to the bill. "We don't tax and regulate things that destroy people, because our responsibility is to try to form a more perfect union," Delegate Tom Garrett said in an interview with ABC 3, warning of the dangers of addiction and suicide. not to indulge the avarice and primal desires of those who want to profit at the expense of human life.

Despite being lost 46-49 after Garrett's remarks, the bill was subsequently brought back and carried an hour later. The Senate General Laws and Technology Committee will now consider it further.

The Virginia legislature is now considering several iGaming bills in addition to this one. Following a reconsideration vote earlier this week, senators moved Senate Bill 118 to the House.