In Virginia, state Del. Marcus Simon announced he’ll introduce a sports betting bill when the legislature reconvenes in January 2019. “I think there is certainly a revenue opportunity in Virginia. We already see a lot of our residents’ dollars go across the river to MGM National Harbor. We lose out on a lot of opportunities to capture some of that revenue,” Simon said. He added his legislation would allow legalized sports betting starting in July 2019.
MGM National Harbor is located near Washington, D.C. where lawmakers are also considering a sports betting bill. However, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has not taken a stand on sports wagering. His spokesperson Ofirah Yheskel said, “Governor Northam believes any future proposal to expand sports gaming here in Virginia should be considered with the input of the general assembly and the communities that will be impacted.”
Casinos are banned in Virginia but Simon said sportsbooks could be located at racetracks and off-track betting parlors. Currently no racetracks operate in the state but Colonial Downs plans to reopen in March 2019; among its offerings will be historical horseracing machines. Simon noted, “I think you can probably find a way to combine sportsbooks with the existing horse racing and off-track betting that exist. And there is probably a way to facilitate online sports gaming as well.”
