Two Virginia lawmakers recently introduced sports betting bills ahead of the opening of the legislative session on January 9, 2019. One would direct tax revenue toward reducing community college tuition, and the other would help fund research projects at state universities.
State Senator Chap Petersen’s measure, the Virginia Sports Gaming Tuition Reduction Act, would direct a share of sports betting revenue toward lowering community college tuition fees. “We’ve already done daily fantasy and that’s widespread. This is just sort of taking it to the next level where a number of states are already going,” Petersen said. The bill would not require a casino for sports gambling, but he said established racetracks like Colonial Downs could “do it automatically” and offer sports wagering at off-track betting sites. Localities could license any sports betting establishment, provided the city or county government passes an ordinance that’s approved through a voter referendum.
Also, wagering on college sports would not be allowed. Petersen acknowledged that could frustrate some Virginia Tech or University of Virginia fans, but he added, “I’m probably saving them money in the long run.”
Petersen added, “I’m not interested in people sitting in their parents’ basement with their pajamas on betting on a ‘Monday Night Football’ game. I want this to be part of a social entertainment package where people get out and spend money.” Petersen said it could take a few legislative sessions before a sports betting bill might pass, but he predicted it will be legal in all 50 states within five years. “My goal is just to get this concept out there,” he stated.
Petersen said he wants sports betting kept separate from the Virginia Lottery, which has expressed interest in overseeing sports betting if it’s legalized. Several lawmakers also want the lottery involved.
The state lottery would manage sports betting under a bill introduced by state Del. Mark Sickles. He said that would “provide the assurance of a trusted brand while allowing the private sector to flourish.” The measure would tax gaming revenue at 15 percent, which Sickles estimated would raise about $41 million annually, directed toward “major research projects” at state universities.
Sickles’ legislation also would issue only five sports betting permits and require a $250,000, 3-year licensing fee with a $200,000 renewal. No integrity fee would be paid to professional sports leagues.
In an unusual move, the bill seems to allow no in-person wagering options at live horseracing tracks or off-track betting businesses, nor does it say if betting must be done in person, online or both, or how a player registers. It appears to only allow wagering on mobile devices and sports betting platforms within the state borders. It defines a sports betting platform as “a website, app, or other platforms accessible via the Internet or mobile, wireless, or similar communications technology that sports bettors use to place sports bets.”
Sickles’ bill also would prohibit betting on college sports and would allow casinos to seek a separate license for sports betting and prevent any “competitor, coach, trainer, employee, or owner of a team in a professional sports event or any referee for a professional sports event” from making a sports bet. “This legislation provides a framework for an open, transparent and responsible market for legal sports betting,” Sickles said.
Del. Marcus Simon said he also may sponsor a sports betting bill, which most likely would allow players to make bets via apps and websites. “I think that’s the way most people want to do it these days,” he said.
