summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Illegal gambling; online sweepstakes games; civil penalty. Includes the (i) operating, conducting, or promoting of any online sweepstakes games and (ii) supporting or assisting in the operating, conducting, or promoting of any online sweepstakes game in the definition of "illegal gambling." The bill defines an "online sweepstakes game" as any game, contest, or promotion in which a prize is awarded based on chance that (a) is available on the internet and accessible on a mobile phone, computer, or similar device; (b) utilizes a dual currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent; and (c) simulates casino-style gaming, including slot machines, video poker, table games, lottery games, and sports betting. Persons who operate, conduct, or promote online sweepstakes games or take any action to support or assist in the operation, conduct, or promotion of online sweepstakes games shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 per violation. The bill contains technical amendments.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Virginia Lottery Board establish a work group composed of stakeholders, including those from the online sweepstakes and social games industry, to investigate the legal, economic, technological, and public policy aspects of interactive online sweepstakes games. This work group is tasked with reviewing how sweepstakes are used for marketing, identifying distinctions between online sweepstakes and real-money gambling, and developing a clear definition for "online sweepstakes games." The findings and any recommendations from this study are to be reported by December 1, 2026, to specific legislative committees.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (14-Y 1-N) (on 02/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB579 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB579/text/SB579SC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB579) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1141905.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB579/text/SB579 |
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