However, while the sports betting sector is flourishing, lawmakers are now turning their attention to expanding Virginia’s gambling landscape even further.
The introduction of Senate Bill 827 (SB 827) could dramatically change the state’s gambling industry, opening the door to online casinos, which would complement the already vibrant sports betting and land-based casino markets.
Virginia’s Strong Sports Betting Performance
Virginia has been one of the top performers in the United States’ sports betting industry. In 2024, the state reported a total of $6.9 billion in sports betting handle, a 23.9% increase from the previous year.
This strong performance places Virginia in the top 10 states for total sports bets placed, with impressive contributions to state tax revenue, totaling $92.3 million for the year. As online and in-person betting opportunities expand, Virginia’s sports betting market has proven to be a substantial driver of economic growth.
This surge in VA sports betting is consistent with the broader trend across the U.S., as the American Gaming Association projects a record $3.1 billion in legal wagers on the NCAA March Madness tournaments alone in 2025, reflecting both the increasing popularity of sports betting and the growing number of states with legalized wagering.
Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of the American Gaming Association, stated,
“As legal wagering expands across the U.S., more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly.”
In Virginia, the increasing legalization of sports betting is undoubtedly a key factor contributing to this trend.
Despite these gains, some industry experts remain cautious about the potential societal costs. Carolyn Hawley, President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, has expressed concerns about the rise in gambling addiction, particularly among young men.
She remarked,
“With more opportunities to gamble, more people are going to gamble and so with that, there’s going to be more people who develop problems.”
Hawley’s caution is reflected in the broader national dialogue about balancing the economic benefits of legalized gambling with the need for public health measures and responsible gambling initiatives.
SB 827: A Game-Changer for Virginia’s Gambling Future
While Virginia’s sports betting sector has experienced robust growth, lawmakers are now considering SB 827, a bill that could significantly expand the state’s gambling options by legalizing online casinos in Virginia.
This move comes as Virginia seeks to capitalize on the economic potential of online gambling, which has proven successful in other states.
If passed, SB 827 would enable the Virginia Lottery Board to regulate online casinos, allowing existing land-based casino operators, including Caesars Virginia, Hard Rock Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth, to launch online gambling platforms.
The potential impact of SB 827 on Virginia’s economy is substantial. Proponents of the bill argue that it could generate significant tax revenue, which could then be used to fund public health programs aimed at mitigating gambling addiction.
SB 827 also includes provisions for live dealer games, a feature not available in other states’ online casino bills. This added level of engagement could make Virginia’s online casinos highly competitive in the expanding U.S. market.
Senator Scott Surovell, a key figure behind the push for the bill, emphasized the potential for increased revenue, citing the rapid growth of Virginia’s land-based casinos and sports betting markets.
He noted that online casinos would complement these industries, creating a more robust gambling ecosystem within the state. As Surovell explained, the growth in Virginia’s casino and sports betting sectors is laying a strong foundation for online gambling to thrive.
The economic case for legalizing online casinos is compelling. According to industry analysts, the online gambling market could bring in significant revenue for Virginia, boosting both job creation and tax revenue.
Additionally, the state’s move toward expanding its gambling laws is in line with national trends, as more states are legalizing online casinos to capture a share of this lucrative market.
