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.
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.