Lobbying efforts in Virginia suggest gambling legislation will remain a key focus in the upcoming 2025 legislative session, with major gaming entities investing heavily in various initiatives.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), several gaming companies have already committed substantial funds:

• Caesars Entertainment: $418,155 ahead of Caesars Virginia opening
• Churchill Downs: $268,593 following The Rose Gaming Resort launch
• No NOVA Casino committee: $370,209 to oppose Fairfax County casino efforts
• MGM Resorts: $222,267
• Sports Betting Alliance: $160,926 for iGaming expansion
• Pace-O-Matic: $461,048 to legalize skill games

Two major issues likely to dominate the 2025 session:

Northern Virginia Casino Debate:

• State Sen. David Marsden's push for a Fairfax/Tysons casino faces opposition
• Most community groups and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors oppose the initiative
• Labor unions support the casino proposal

Skill Games Legislation:

• Previous legislation allowed ABC-licensed businesses to operate skill games with 25% tax
• Gov. Youngkin's amendments included:
  • Increased tax to 35%
  • 35-mile buffer around casinos and parimutuel venues
  • 2,500-foot exclusion from schools, daycares, and religious facilities
• Lawmakers rejected these amendments as too restrictive

The 2025 legislative session runs from January 8 through February 22, continuing Virginia's recent trajectory of expanding gambling options beyond its traditional state lottery and parimutuel wagering.

Related Articles

Previous Articles