Virginia Looking to Establish Formal Gaming Commission

It would appear that the Virginia assembly recognizes they have a problem related to the way various forms of gambling are being regulated in the state. The problem has grown to the point that lawmakers are considering ways to streamline the regulation of the state's legal gaming activities.

Currently, the Virginia Lottery Commission is overseeing retail casino gambling and online sports betting while over-seeing charitable gambling endeavors (Bingo, etc.) fall under the purview of the Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Further complicating matters is the fact that the Virginia Racing Commission is charged with regulating historical and live horse race wagering. That's too many cooks in the kitchen, making it nearly impossible for the state's lawmakers to establish consistent gaming guidelines.

While the possibility of legalizing online casino gambling could be on the table in the coming months, lawmakers are looking to get all of their gaming ducks in order before putting something in the regular basket. There is consensus something needs to be done sooner rather than later.

According to a press release issued to a reporter at the Virginia Mercury, the Virginia General Assembly’s Joint Committee has commissioned a Study of the Feasibility of Establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission. An initial report has been issued and key lawmakers are looking at the proposal.

About the Gaming Commission Proposal

While reading the details of the proposal, it's clear that the discussion is centering on the establishment of a new Virginia Gaming Commission. The Commission would be charged with pulling all of the aforementioned gaming regulator responsibilities under one umbrella. They would also be put in charge of establishing and enforcing regulations related to any kind of gambling expansion.

When pressed for information about the proposal, lawmakers do not discuss specifics related to the aforementioned proposal. That's likely because throwing support at this proposal would be premature. However, there does seem to be a consensus that the consolidation of gaming regulations across all platforms is a good idea, one that could save the state some money.

Note: If the current proposal were to start getting traction, supporters of such legislation could get a bill drafted in time for presentation to the full assembly by the first legislative session of 2025.

Commission Would Target Gaming Expansion

If such a commission were to be established, it would immediately attend to issues related to the state's retail casino casino community. This would include looking into the delays that have caused three of the state's four licensed retail casinos to delay opening their permanent facilities.

Another thing that might land on the commission's docket would be the establishment of a regulated online casino market. So far, the conversation related to the future of online casino gambling in Virginia has amounted to little more than rumors. However, a viable Virginia Gaming Commission would certainly have enough standing to shake trees and get the conversation started among lawmakers. Many legislators seem to favor the idea of the Commission taking some of the stress off of lawmakers.