The gambling laws in Virginia are relatively restrictive and while it does; casinos and greyhound racing are specifically prohibited. Lucas, who has, has been pushing to legalize casinos in her home state for so many years, she’s lost count of the number of times she’s introduced casino legislation. Her most recent proposal was shot down in committee late last month. She told WTKR,
The Virginia Senate recently passed SB1400 and forwarded it to the House of Delegates. Introduced by state Senator Louise Lucas, the measure would classify poker as a game of skill and establish a regulatory framework for legal poker tournaments. However, the Senate committee that passed Lucas’ poker bill rejected her bill that would legalize casinos in the state. “I’m losing count on the number of years I’ve introduced casino bills but each year I get a little bit closer,” said Lucas, who has represented the 18th District since 1992.
In particular, she would like a casino to be located in Portsmouth in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which is in her district. She said a casino would provide a long-term, sustainable source of revenue, which could provide funds for education and transportation.
Currently the only gambling allowed in Virginia is horse racing and off-track betting at licensed facilities, charitable gambling and a state lottery.
Lucas noted Virginians are expected to spend $350-$700 million a year at the new MGM National Harbor casino near Washington, D.C. “and that’s not even to count what might be going to other states as well.” She pointed out a 2013 Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization study estimated a local casino could generate $200-$600 million in revenue annually and create approximately 2,000 jobs. A 2015 State of the Region report by Old Dominion University reached similar conclusions.
Governor Terry McAuliffe also has expressed concern that Virginians are spending their gambling money in
