The Virginia General Assembly recently passed Substitute Senate Bill 1126 authorizing casino gambling in Virginia, regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board. The bill was approved 30-10 by the Senate and 64-33 by the House. Now it awaits the signature of Governor Ralph Northam, who previously said he would support development of commercial casinos in the state.
The measure would allow casinos in Bristol, Danville and Portsmouth, as well as in Richmond and Norfolk, two cities identified as potential sites for a casino owned by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. Voter referendums would be required to be held in each city, and the state only could issue one casino license per city.
The legislation requires a comprehensive study on the impact of casino gambling. Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment said, “My main concern was that before the General Assembly made a final policy decision on it, that they had the benefit of a study so that their votes would be informed.” If Northam signs the bill, the nonpartisan Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission would have to complete the study by November 1. The Virginia Lottery Board would then be required to draw up rules and regulations by June 30, 2020 and begin issuing licenses on July 1, 2020. No referendums could occur unless the General Assembly re-enacts the legislation in the 2020 session. Casinos’ adjusted gross receipts would be taxed at 13-15 percent.
The measure also would require the Lottery Board to establish and implement a voluntary self-exclusion program. And, it would establish a Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.
Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, developers of the proposed Bristol casino resort, said, “We are pleased that the General Assembly has created a framework for moving forward with this project. We appreciate the strong support of our entire legislative delegation, who all see the importance of bringing more jobs and additional tax revenue to the region.”
