Virginia could become the first state of 2026 to legalize online gambling and poker
Virginia is moving toward a major shift in its gambling landscape with the introduction of a new bill aimed at legalizing iGaming. State Representative Marcus Simon recently filed the legislation to kick off the 2026 session, proposing a framework that would allow residents to play casino games on their phones. This move follows the success of Virginia’s sports betting market, which has already generated billions in revenue since its launch a few years ago.
The bill outlines a structured process for operators to enter the market, requiring a substantial financial commitment. Specifically, casino operators would need to pay a $2 million platform fee for each of their online offerings, with a limit of three platforms per operator. Additionally, an initial licensing fee of $500,000 would be required. These fees are intended to cover the state’s start-up and regulatory costs for overseeing the new industry.
A standout feature of the bill is the explicit inclusion of online poker. This is particularly important for enthusiasts because the legislation includes language that would allow Virginia to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). By partnering with other states, Virginia could quickly build a large player pool, ensuring that poker games are available around the clock with healthy prize pools right from the start.
While the bill looks to expand regulated gaming, it also takes a hard line against unlicensed competitors. The legislation includes a strict ban on sweepstakes casino operators, who often use “gray market” models to bypass traditional gambling laws. Companies found violating these rules could face massive fines, starting at $100,000 for a first offense and rising to $250,000 for subsequent violations.
The proposed tax rate for iGaming operators is set at 15%, which is competitive with other states that have legalized online casinos. Proponents argue that this revenue could provide a much-needed boost to the state’s general fund and support problem gambling programs. The debate begins in Augusta, and many eyes will be on whether the Old Dominion State becomes the eighth state to embrace the full spectrum of online casino gaming.
