Bill > HB271

This bill establishes the Virginia Gaming Commission as an independent state agency, separate from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, to exclusively regulate and oversee all legal gambling in the Commonwealth, with the exception of the state lottery, which continues to be operated separately. Under this newly created regulatory umbrella, the commission will consolidate the oversight of charitable gaming, casino gaming, sports betting, fantasy contests, and horse racing (including live, simulcast, and historical horse racing), taking over duties previously divided among other state entities like the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Racing Commission. To manage this transition, the legislation creates a temporary legislative oversight committee and designates the Virginia Lottery to act as project management during the interim. Furthermore, the bill sets up a dedicated leadership structure—including a governor-appointed Commissioner and a ten-member Virginia Gaming Commission Board—establishes criminal and civil penalties for illegal gambling and regulatory violations, and creates several special funds, such as the Commonwealth Gaming Operations Fund and the Gaming Proceeds Fund, to manage agency costs and distribute tax revenues to local education, problem gambling treatment, and public infrastructure.