In Virginia, state Senator Louise Lucas’ measure SB 1400, designating poker as a game of skill, passed the Senate General Laws committee by 8-7 and then passed the full Senate by 19-19, with the Senate president casting the deciding vote in favor of the bill. The measure will move on to the House of Delegates where its outcome is uncertain.
The legislation declares poker is a legal game of skill. It authorizes poker tournaments at existing card rooms and allows licensed operators to run them. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates daily fantasy sports in Virginia, also would regulate poker tournaments. Tournaments may not be held more than once a week at permitted venues. Players must be at least 18 years of age and only would be allowed to buy-in to the games with cash or checks—no credit or debit cards allowed.
Lucas’ other proposed legislation, authorizing casinos, was rejected by the same Senate committee in a 7-8 vote. Prior to the vote, Lucas noted Virginians spend an estimated $300 million annually at Maryland casinos. She has sponsored casino and poker legislation numerous times in the past without success.
