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VA SB558

VA SB558
Virginia Gaming Commission established; penalties.


summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Virginia Gaming Commission established. Establishes the Virginia Gaming Commission as an independent agency of the Commonwealth, exclusive of the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of government, to oversee and regulate all forms of legal gambling in the Commonwealth except for the state lottery. The bill sets eligibility requirements for the appointment of a Commissioner and Virginia Gaming Commission Board members, provides powers and duties of such Commissioner and Board members, and provides for the transfer of current employees of relevant state agencies to the Commission. The bill contains numerous technical amendments.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Virginia Gaming Commission as an independent agency to oversee and regulate all legal gambling in the Commonwealth, excluding the state lottery. It outlines eligibility requirements for the Commission's Commissioner and Board members, details their powers and duties, and facilitates the transfer of employees from relevant state agencies to the new Commission. The bill also makes numerous technical amendments to existing laws, including those related to the Virginia Racing Commission, which will now operate under the Virginia Gaming Commission, and updates references to reflect the new structure and the creation of new chapters within Title 29.5 of the Code of Virginia, which will govern various forms of gaming such as charitable gaming, casino gaming, sports betting, fantasy contests, and horse racing. Key changes include the establishment of a new regulatory framework for casino gaming, including licensing requirements, taxation, and local referendums, and the creation of a comprehensive regulatory system for sports betting, fantasy contests, and horse racing, including provisions for licensing, taxation, and consumer protection. The bill also amends laws concerning the Virginia Lottery, transferring its regulatory functions related to gaming to the new Commission and updating references to reflect the new structure.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Incorporated by General Laws and Technology (SB195-Aird) (15-Y 0-N) (on 01/28/2026)

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/SB558
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/20/2026 4:29 pm) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092390.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB558/text/SB558
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