Virginia state Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg introduced legislation January 4 to allow wagers on Virginia college athletics. Not only would the state pick up more tax revenue, but it provides another option to keep the illegitimate offshore betting markets out of the loop.
His colleagues had other ideas. Well not much of an idea. Wait until 2025 to consider the proposal.
The Senate vote to postpone the bill came after what the lawmakers describe as “extensive discussions and deliberations.”
After the legislation won initial support and approval of the General Laws and Technology Committee on January 24, the Finance and Appropriations Committee said to wait till next year on February 6. Sort of a repeat performance of 2022.
Lawmakers outright rejected the bill in 2022 with bipartisan support.
VanValkenburg reminded the legislators that Virginians bet on Virginia teams anyway, on both offshore sportsbooks and in adjoining states, according to Yogonet Gaming News.
“I think you see a lot of people who are still gambling on Virginia sports…all of our surrounding states can gamble on Virginia universities,” VanValkenburg said during a meeting for the Gaming Subcommittee. “I think it’s good to bring it into the fold, I think it’s good for public safety, I think it’s the right thing to do for regulating the market.”
Opponents question the impact on younger people. Some see it as the beginning of betting on youth sports.
“My concern is just how far does this go?” said Todd Gathje with The Family Foundation during a public comment session. “Because if we take this away then all of a sudden, with high school sports now on TV, are we going to start allowing that to be the battle line?”
To which VanValkenburg added that betting on high school sports remains prohibited throughout the U.S.
