The Virginia Lottery Board today (February 3, 2021) formally approved initial regulations governing casino gaming in the Commonwealth. Board members also received an update on the recent launch of mobile sports betting in Virginia. Regulatory oversight of expanded gaming, which includes both land-based casinos and the licensing and regulation of mobile sports wagering, was assigned to the Virginia Lottery and its Board by the General Assembly in its 2020 session.
Casino regulations The approved emergency casino regulations are posted for viewing here. The regulations apply to proposed land-based casinos in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth, which were endorsed by voters in those localities in local referenda in the November 2020 elections. A fifth casino, in the City of Richmond, has been proposed and is pending a public referendum in November 2021. The 2020 casino legislation required adoption of an initial regulatory framework by April 2021.
The Lottery will further refine today’s initial regulations through the regular rulemaking process, which will include an opportunity for public and stakeholder participation. Details on that process can be found here. For further information on the report presented at the Lottery Board meeting, click here, then under the ‘Regulations’ tab, click ‘Casino Regulations Update – Board Meeting, 2/3/21.’
“The Lottery’s role as regulator is based on its three-decade track record as a respected and trusted gaming authority in the Commonwealth,” said Kevin Hall, executive director of the Virginia Lottery. “The Lottery’s professional staff and our Board will work to protect the public interest by ensuring the integrity of casino gaming through the strict enforcement of the law and our regulations.”
As part of the pre-certification process prior to referendum, the Lottery conducted a preliminary assessment of the financial viability of each city's preferred casino partner and the partner’s experience in operating casinos in a regulated environment. As applications for casino operating licenses are submitted, the Lottery will conduct a comprehensive review of casino operators, including criminal history and financial reviews of designated gaming operators. Regulatory requirements also will specify robust internal l controls and on-site security and surveillance requirements.