Virginia Takes Another Step To Legalize Sports Betting
The Virginia State Senate passed SB 1126 on Monday, which would allow a referendum to let voters decide if they want to open a casino in the state.
Virginia currently does not have any casinos open in the state. Typically, a sportsbook would be available in a casino or a racino. This bill was drafted so a casino can begin operation in the state and it would house a sportsbook.
SB 1126 is one of seven bills that are currently being deliberated by Virginia’s Congress. The other proposed legislation would help expand SB 1126 with other measures. This includes creating a fund that would help problem gaming and regulate casino gaming in the Old Dominion.
Long Road Ahead
Even though SB 1126 was passed in the Senate, Virginia still has a long way to go before sports betting will become legal. Virginia will not see any casinos or sportsbooks sooner than mid-2020. The Senate Finance Committee amended the proposal to prevent any cities in Virginia from holding a referendum prior to the aforementioned year. The amendment also prevents the Lottery board from issuing gaming licenses until July 1st, 2020.
One of the biggest hurdles for the bill to face is the fact that the Virginia General Assembly meets for only 30 days and it adjourns on February 23rd. With seven bills involving sports betting to get through in such a short amount of time, it seems difficult to get them all passed in the House and Senate.
Opponents Against Sports Betting
The amendment also requires legislative study to be conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The commission has to study gambling laws in other states before Virginia residents can vote on the referendum. The study will not be concluded until November of this year.
Though there are lawmakers pushing for sports betting, there are also strong opinions against against gambling in general. House Speaker Kirk Cox had this to say: “I do not believe opening the commonwealth to casino gambling is in the state’s long-term best interests. I will continue to strongly oppose casino gambling and will encourage my colleagues to oppose it as well.”
Even with amendments and strong opposition, SB 1126 was passed with a 22-12 vote in the Senate. It might not be until 2020 that we see sports betting in Virginia but the right steps are being taken. With one of the necessary components being an official signature from Governor Ralph Northam, his openness to conversations concerning casino gaming in Virginia supports current sports gambling initiatives.
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