National Association Against iGaming applauds decision
Over the weekend, legislation to legalise online casino gambling died in Virginia’s conference committee. With the legislative process coming to a close, the National Association Against iGaming wanted to publicly acknowledge and thank the administration and lawmakers who made this important decision.
The proposal would have allowed casino-style gambling on phones, tablets and other devices with 24/7 access. After careful review, lawmakers declined to move forward with the expansion, prioritising the stability of Virginia’s gaming framework and the communities it supports. If passed, each of Virginia’s five existing brick-and-mortar casinos could have partnered with up to three third-party mobile iGaming operators, allowing up to 15 online casino skins.
Executives representing Virginia casino operators Caesars and Boyd testified in favour of online gaming, whilst Cordish, who operates Live! Petersberg testified against its introduction. The other two Virginia land-based operators, Hard Rock and Rush Street Gaming, are both active in online gaming in other states.
“Virginia lawmakers made the right decision by rejecting online casino gambling,” said NAAiG spokesman Oliver Barie. “This proposal would have placed casino-style gambling on every phone and smart device, creating serious risks for families, workers and local communities. Policymakers demonstrated leadership by putting people before profit.”
Recent polling in Virginia underscores why this outcome was so important:
Most Virginians oppose legalising online casino gambling with voters worrying about addiction and financial harm for families. Many recognised that brick-and-mortar casinos support local jobs and communities, while iGaming threatens that model. 62 per cent of Virginia voters say they would be less likely to support a candidate who backs iGaming, reflecting why the policy has been rejected repeatedly across states.
Throughout the session, NAAiG worked closely with community voices, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to highlight the economic and social risks of online casino expansion. While the proposal received significant attention from national online gaming companies, lawmakers carefully considered the issue and ultimately chose to prioritize the long-term well-being of Virginia families, communities, and workers.
“We commend the legislators and members of the administration who carefully examined the consequences of this proposal,” Barie added. “Their decision reflects a thoughtful approach to gaming policy and a commitment to protecting communities, workers, and families.”
The post Virginia lawmakers vote against online casino gaming introduction appeared first on G3 Newswire.
National Association Against iGaming applauds decision Over the weekend, legislation to legalise online casino gambling died in Virginia’s conference committee. With the legislative process coming to a close, the National Association Against iGaming wanted to publicly acknowledge and thank the administration and lawmakers who made this important decision. The proposal would have allowed casino-style gambling…
The post Virginia lawmakers vote against online casino gaming introduction appeared first on G3 Newswire.