Virginia joins Maryland in proposing online casino legislation, with state Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Portsmouth) filing Senate Bill 827 ahead of the 2025 General Assembly session.

The bill would allow the state's five commercial casinos to operate up to three online gaming platforms each. Proposed licensing fees are set at $1 million for five years, with a 15% tax rate on gross gaming revenue.

Strong opposition is expected, particularly from The Cordish Companies, which operates the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg. The company's General Counsel Mark Stewart has consistently argued against iGaming in various states, citing concerns about:

• Reduced casino foot traffic
• Decreased revenue
• Limited problem gambling protections
• Easier access to gambling
• Lack of in-person safety measures

MGM Resorts, though not directly operating in Virginia, may also oppose the legislation. The company spent $755,000 on political activities in Virginia in 2024, primarily opposing gaming expansion efforts.

The timing of the iGaming push is particularly notable as Virginia's casino industry is still in its early stages. Only three of the five planned permanent resorts are currently operational:

• Rivers Portsmouth (opened January 2023)
• Hard Rock Bristol (opened November 2024)
• Caesars Virginia (opened December 2024)

While some operators like Boyd and Caesars generally support iGaming expansion, the industry's nascent state in Virginia may affect their stance on this particular legislation.

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