In Virginia, a recent poll indicated 64 percent of voters support the Pamunkey Tribe’s proposed $700 million casino in New Kent County near Richmond, although that site hasn’t been confirmed. The poll, conducted by the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, also showed 58 percent of voters said casino gambling also should be allowed elsewhere in the state. A majority of both Republicans and Democrats approved the Pamunkey casino, although Republicans were more likely to “strongly” object to the tribe’s efforts, the poll showed. In addition, 57 percent of poll respondents said casinos could help economically struggling areas by creating jobs and generating tax revenue.
The Wason Center poll also indicated 63 percent of Virginia voters want sports betting legalized; 25 percent said sports betting already happens and should be regulated; and 29 percent said regulation will make sports wagering much safer. In addition, 77 percent said taxes from sports betting will benefit the state. The Virginia results are similar to a statewide poll in New Jersey that indicated 62 percent of adults supported legalizing sports betting, which kicked off in June.
However, 43 percent said legalizing casinos and sports betting will lead to more gambling addiction, 28 percent said they’ll promote the wrong values and 17 percent said they’ll result in more crime.
Still, Wason Center Assistant Director Rachel Bitecofer said, “Virginia voters are ready for legalized sports betting and casinos, just like they were ready for the lottery 30 years ago. And just as education funding was a justification to open the door to gambling then, directing gambling taxes to education seems to appeal to voters today.”
State Del. Mark Sickles pre-filed a sports betting bill in November. “This legislation provides a framework for an open, transparent, and responsible market for legal sports betting. It will protect consumers while generating revenue to allow Virginia to compete for major research projects that create jobs and help to diversify our economy away from over-reliance on federal spending.” Under the measure, the state lottery would regulate internet-based sports betting platforms.
State Senator Chap Petersen also plans to sponsor a sports betting bill. “To me, sport is entertainment, and gambling should be a form of entertainment. If people are going to bet on games just like a bet on horses, I’d rather they go to a bar or go to a pub or go to a game but be in an establishment where they can eat, drink, socialize and meet other people,“ he said.
One study indicated with a 15 percent tax rate and online and smartphone wagering, sports betting could generate $5.2 billion in annual handle and $380 million in revenue, resulting in nearly $60 million for Virginia.
Poll results are based on phone interviews with 841 registered voters, with a 3.7 percent margin of error.
