It has come to my attention that the House- General Laws committee we'll hear public comments on House Bill 161 and its features to expand Virginia’s gaming to include Internet Gaming(I-Gaming). Please understand that it is my distinct pleasure to provide testimony representing the members and E-subscribers of Md. Washington Minority Companies Association (MWMCA). Since 2002, MWMCA operated as a trade, design, and material commodity trade association with hundreds of members and E- subscribers located in Virginia. Our weekly Enewsletter to small, minority and women owned businesses, is their guiding light and voice to that community. Our industry-renowned website www.mwmca.org is most sought after by major corporations and small businesses alike looking to connect with one another for mutual benefits. In essence we support and endorse total economic engineering inclusion, and we believe Virginia is ready from more. Now comes our “America’s Old Dominion” unfortunate attempt to expand its entrance into i-Gaming at a time when perhaps it's needed less. With all the years it took to achieve casino style gaming in Virginia, along with the billions of dollars it took to purchase land, seek permits, architectural/engineering design, purchase expensive power and AC equipment, construct world class facilities, train basic neophytes in gaming to serve in this industry, vendors seeking state licensing, expanded expense for security of the facilities and its patrons, and the state of Virginia building new roads to access the casinos; we are now looking to add a major burden to crush the relatively new industry. Why, when there is so much downside for perhaps making it easier to allow folks to gamble. Literally with this new legislation, one would be able to place betswhile they're in the restroom relieving themselves. We believe at MWMCA that the risk is not worth affecting the entire flourishing industry. With revenues at their all-time high and the state enjoying it and your residents are working; along with the current gaming and retail sales tax are contributing to the overall revenue of the state of Virginia. Why attempt to change that now? Therefore, we respectfully request a no vote on this ill-timely recommended legislation that will destroy the thriving casino gaming industry, as we know it now.

Dear Members of the House General Laws Committee, I respectfully urge you to support HB 161 (Virginia Lottery; Internet gaming authorized, penalties). This legislation thoughtfully brings online casino gaming — including online poker — into a regulated, transparent, and accountable framework under the oversight of the Virginia Lottery Board. Here’s why I believe HB 161 deserves your support: Protect Virginians by reducing illegal gaming. Today, many Virginians already access unregulated online gambling through offshore sites that operate outside state law, offer no age verification, and do not contribute to the Commonwealth’s funds or consumer protections. Legalizing and regulating internet gaming would bring this activity into a safer, monitored environment and help curb unlicensed operators. Generate meaningful revenue without raising taxes. A regulated online gaming market is projected to generate significant new taxable revenue — industry estimates suggest hundreds of millions of dollars over the first years of operation. These funds can support state priorities rather than being captured by illegal operators. Support problem gambling prevention and treatment. HB 161 dedicates part of its tax revenue to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, ensuring that resources are available to help Virginians who struggle with gambling addiction. Enhance consumer protections. Legal online gaming would require strong safeguards — including age verification, self-exclusion tools, and regulatory oversight — that simply don’t exist in the current unregulated market. Keep Virginia competitive. Neighboring states already offer regulated online poker and casino gaming. If Virginia fails to act, we risk losing consumers and associated economic activity to other states. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to advance HB 161 out of committee so the full House can consider its merits. Thank you for your time and service.