While several US states are struggling through the burdensome process of legalizing online gambling within their borders, Virginia is trying to establish clearer definitions on what is legal in terms of gambling and what is not.
Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas introduced last week a new gambling bill – S 1400, that, among other things, is aimed at regulating poker as a game of skill. Being classified as a game whose outcome is not based on chance, poker would no longer be illegal in the Commonwealth.
Sen. Lucas’ efforts to bring poker to Virginia residents are complemented by a provision in her bill that regulates poker tournaments. If it gains the necessary support, the proposed legislation will allow for such tournaments to be conducted but only if compliant with the regulations and conditions introduced by Sen. Lucas. The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be charged with overseeing the way poker tournaments are organized.
Aside from lottery and several other products, Virginia has not been much of a gambling state over the years. However, the growing casino industry in neighboring Maryland and the increasing tax contributions from casinos there may eventually convince Virginian lawmakers that an expansion may not be that bad for the Commonwealth.
MGM National Harbor, a multi-million integrated resort, opened doors in Maryland last month to drive December casino revenue to a record of $133.5 million.
Sen. Lucas has been an active gambling proponent over the years. And S 1400 has not been her first attempt to bring certain amendments to the Commonwealth’s existing laws. She had formerly submitted other legislative pieces that called for the legalization and regulation of casino gambling but without much success. Her attempt to redefine poker as a game of skill may be seen as a small but steady step toward the further re-regulation of the market.
Speaking of industry regulation, Virginia became the first US state to legalize fantasy sports after Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed a bill on the matter last March. In a nutshell, interested operators are allowed to enter the market after paying a $50,000 registration fee. Fantasy sports contents are regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Virginia decided not to ring-fence its market, so contestants may play against people from other states where this is legal.
