Casinos in virginia - all personal
Casinos
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Enjoy a luxurious weekend getaway at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Here, they have more than 2, slot machines, 75 table games, live thoroughbred horse racing and six restaurant options. Both the Final Cut Steakhouse and 9 Dragons are award-winning restaurants. Keep your eye out throughout the year for fun giveaways and promotions special to Hollywood Casino, and you may just win a special prize or giveaway.
Mountaineer Casino
If you’re looking for a fun time, look no further than Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort. It’s a great place for an action-packed night with your friends. Book a suite for the weekend and enjoy all the luxuries the resort has to offer. Head to the casino for over 1, slot machines, poker, Texas hold’em, Spanish 21, Let it Ride and many more table games. Enjoy dinner at LBV Steak and Pasta, and afterward, take in an incredible show you’ll never forget.
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Fully equipped with a room hotel, slot machines, more than 20 table games, a live music lounge, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes is a sure bet for fun time. Located just outside of the capital city of Charleston, this casino and resort also offers casual and fine dining restaurants on property.
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino- Racetrack
There’s no better place for non-stop West Virginia gaming action than Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Equipped with the best slots, table games, world class hotel accommodations, live entertainment and live Greyhound racing, making it your sure thing for the ultimate gaming getaway. Plan a weekend at Wheeling Island for the greatest gaming adventure.
Virginia was once one of only a handful of states without a casino of any kind. But on November 3, , voters approved the launch of Virginia casinos in the cities of Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. Richmond had a similar measure set, but Richmond residents ultimately voted against the plan in November
Did Virginia Legalize Online Gambling?
Yes, voters in Virginia voted to legalize online sports betting as well as land-based casinos. However, online casinos and poker sites are still considered illegal in the state.
While brick-and-mortar casinos, which will also house retail sportsbooks, are projected to open in early to mid, online sports betting became available in January
With the legalization of online gambling and the launch of online sports betting apps in Virginia, anyone over the age of 21 is able to register and make a deposit. But you need to be physically in the Commonwealth to place a bet.
Once casinos and their retail sportsbooks open, bettors in Virginia will be able to wager on sports in person and online.
Casinos Coming To Virginia
The following cities approved a land-based casino:
- Bristol
- Danville
- Norfolk
- Portsmouth
Casinos in both Norfolk and Portsmouth means there will be the greatest concentration of casinos in the most populated part of Virginia: the Chesapeake Bay area.
Here are the four casinos we know will open within the next few years:
Horseshoe Danville
The Horseshoe brand is run by Caesars Entertainment, and the Horseshoe Danville location is set to be a new addition to the Caesars Rewards network. That means you can take advantage of your rewards points in over 50 different resorts and casinos (including Caesars and Harrah’s properties).
The projected launch of Horseshoe Danville is early
Many Virginians are already intimately familiar with Horseshoe Baltimore, the second largest casino in Maryland. There are also two Harrah’s branded casinos run by the Cherokee nation in North Carolina that are popular destinations for folks in Virginia.
Hard Rock Bristol Resort and Casino
Now, this is an appropriate casino brand and city combination, if ever there was one. The Hard Rock Bristol Resort and Casino will be situated just down the street from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Move over, Memphis and New Orleans, because Bristol is getting back to its roots as an up and coming destination for fans of gambling and music.
You can read more about the Hard Rock coming to Virginia in early directly on the Hard Rock website.
Pamunkey Resort and Casino in Norfolk
The Pamunkey tribe will open and operate a casino in the heart of Norfolk. The exact name is uncertain, but it will likely either be “Pamunkey Resort and Casino” or “Norfolk Resort and Casino.”
Either way, this casino is set to be a staple of the Virginia Beach area, as it will be situated in the heart of Norfolk on the banks of the Elizabeth River. Its proximity to Chesapeake and even Richmond position it perfectly for a huge number of guests.
The expected launch of the Pamunkey casino in Norfolk is or
Rivers Casino Portsmouth
The Rivers Casino Portsmouth is another that will be situated in the heart of Virginia’s most populated and touristy areas.
But long before Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens their doors in , bettors in Virginia will almost certainly have access to the BetRivers Sportsbook. This is one of the most popular sports betting brands in several states.
The brick-and-mortar Rivers Casino brand—which has locations in Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Des Plaines, IL; and Schenectady, NY—is a quality choice that’s worth looking forward to as well.
Retail Sportsbooks In Virginia
In-person sports betting outlets will be located inside Virginia’s brick-and-mortar casinos. And because Virginia doesn’t have existing casino properties, the sportsbooks will open when the casinos do. The earliest you can expect a retail sportsbook to open is sometime in
However, online sportsbooks are a totally valid, legitimate, and safe way to bet on sports. You get the same odds as you would going in person, and you’ll have a lot more choices because you can join as many as you want from your mobile device.
Even if you could teleport to each physical location, there will only be five by the end of , whereas there could be over a dozen legal and high-quality sports betting apps and sites in Virginia by the end of
Still, the atmosphere of a retail sportsbook—with the walls of giant TVs, screaming fans and bettors, and a full food and drink menu—can be a lot of fun.
But online sportsbooks should do a decent job of scratching the itch in the meantime. In fact, you could bet on sports from your phone while at a sports bar and grill, which is pretty close to a retail sportsbook atmosphere.
FAQ About Virginia Casinos
There are no casinos to be found in Virginia, commercial or tribal, therefore casino gambling options are limited. For this reason, most residents cross into Maryland or other neighboring states that provide 18+ casinos. However, there are legal offshore online-based 18+ casinos that provide casino games like poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, keno, craps and more to players from VA that are at least eighteen.
Here we will discuss these legal gaming options further in this Old Dominion focused guide. It remains important, however, to understand what is legal and illegal within Virginia and to the eyes of the Federal government if VA residents or guests would like to participate in gambling.
Laws differ by state, so VA residents and visitors should read on corresponding information pertaining to their state and neighboring states, as well as, comprehensive US laws on 18+ casinos. Those living in or visiting Old Dominion should learn what legal gaming offers are available to them whether they are land-based or online.
Can You Gamble At 18 In Virginia?
Players who are at least eighteen may enjoy all of Virginia’s available legal forms of gaming. This means players 18 and over can access and participate on pari-mutuel horse betting activities at the Colonial Downs racetrack or at off-track betting facilities and EZ betting terminals, charitable gambling at bingo halls, buying raffles, and betting on duck races, purchase lottery tickets, and enter daily fantasy sports leagues.
While VA players are given so many available land-based options, there remains no casino gambling for any age player within Old Dominion. Instead of recommending that players travel out of state, we like to provide resources to reliable and legal online offshore casinos that welcome Virginia players who are at least eighteen.
Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Virginia?
There is no law written in Old Dominion legislation that prohibits players from participating at legal offshore online gaming destinations. Rather, there are provisions within VA gambling legislation that restricts players from gambling at state-based gaming sites as they are unregulated and illegal. Federal gaming laws protect players on legal online casinos that are located outside of the US, as these casinos have been recognized by international authorities and licensed by legitimate jurisdictions.
Most Reputable 18+ Online Casinos For Virginia Players
These legal online casinos represent the best international brands in terms of performance, service quality, banking methods, and security, as well as, openly accepting of Virginia players as young as eighteen. We have personally reviewed each brand for high-grade security profiles and player protection which they provide through firewalls, data encryption, and theft prevention. Enjoy a high-quality casino gaming experience when you gamble at these recommended brands.
What Virginia Casinos Are 18 and Up?
Residents and visitors over the age of 18 can legally access the state-regulated gambling services including Bingo, Lottery, Horse racing, and Fantasy sports. Currently, there are no domestic casinos located in the state so residents are forced to turn to online casinos that legally service the area.
Legal Land-Based Gambling Destinations In Virginia
- Colonial Downs
- Pop’s Bingo World
- Brentwood Hall Bingo
- Bingo Palace
- Centerville Bingo
- Bingo At Witchduck Hall
- Oak Tree Pro Shop
- Ponies & Pints
- Duraturf Service Corporation
- Find a Virginia Lottery Retailer Near You
Brief History Of Virginia’s Gaming Legislation
In the early ’s gambling in nearly every state within the US, including VA, went underground. This was due to prohibition-era restrictions that outlawed alcohol and gambling. This era was sprung due to the rising concern by abused women and multiple religious movements of the evil effects of alcohol and gambling on the traditional family and moral values.
It was not until the end of the Great Depression and tail end of the Second World War that states recognized the potential tax revenue that could be made from gaming to revitalize their own economies.
In , charitable gaming was legalized, and local governments were responsible for their oversight.
In , the Virginia state lottery was legalized.
By , the first VA lottery had gone live.
In , the Virginia Racing Commission was created and held responsible for overseeing pari-mutuel betting activities.
In , the charitable gaming commission was formed to oversee all of Virginia’s charitable gaming activities. This commission is regulated by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs under the Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of Virginia. During this year, there was also an attempt made to legalized riverboat casinos in order to retain residential dollars from leaving VA which were being played at neighboring state casinos. This attempt failed to pass committee sessions.
In , just one year after formation, the charitable gaming commission was up and running. They began approving of and overseeing every charitable game within the state.
In , the Colonial Downs racetrack opened. This would be and still is VA’s only racetrack.
By , lottery profits were mandated to go toward the state education fund.
In , the Virginia Racing Commission became responsible for off-track betting facilities as well.
In , EZ betting terminals were introduced.
In , another attempt was made to legalize riverboat casinos but failed. However, a law did pass to allow for network bingo, where bingo rooms were allowed to join other bingo halls in offering larger pots. They would provide tickets to a video streamed bingo drawing at one central location.
By , VA became the first state to formally legalize Daily Fantasy Sports under the Fantasy Contests Act.
18+ Casinos For Virginia Residents
Our recommended resources provide Virginia players with access to a variety of casino games not found within Old Dominion and some games not even accessible at casinos across state-lines. All of these legal online casinos are regulated by the international gaming industry and must comply with fair gaming practices and licensing in order to stay in good standing with the gaming community. Players 18+ from VA can rest assured that the list we feature contains only reliable, legal brands that are safe to gamble on.
FAQs
What&#;s Virginia&#;s Minimum Legal Gambling Age?
Virginia&#;s minimum gambling age is Residential players and visitors who are 18 can participate in pari-mutuel wagering on horses, charitable gambling at bingo halls, raffles, lotteries, betting on duck races, and daily fantasy sports.
How Safe Is It For Virginia Players To Gamble At An Online Casino?
It is completely safe for VA players 18 and over to gamble at legally verified online casinos. Our provided list only contains reputable and legal online brands. These destinations were vetted for security measures and player protection technology, which they not only met but exceeded with their use of military-grade profiles, data encryption, and nonstop system monitoring.
Which Online Casinos Host Fair Games?
The online casinos we present all host fair games, this is because they use RNG technology and comply with industry regulated fair gaming policies. The online gaming sites listed also share a live link at the bottom of their homepage which sends users to their licensing, credentials, and other certifications which is a sign of a reliable and transparent casino.
Not every casino found on the internet will utilize RNGs, be so transparent, or have current licensing, even if they appear to look legitimate. Take care of your gambling dollars and information by avoiding predatory sites and only participating with verified resources.
Do All Online Casinos Allow 18+ Virginia Players?
No, this is due to an agreement between some online destinations and certain states within the US to not provide games to their residents. Other online casinos may not serve American players completely due to conflict in US gaming regulations.
For the few online brands that do host games for the US market, their games are restricted to players who are It is wiser to just utilize our list in order to gamble at legal and safe destinations as a Virginia player 18 and older.
Can Virginia Players Participate On Poker Or Sports Betting Sites?
Of course, there are a variety of premium sites to visit that offer such capabilities. However, we provide three reputable and safe sites that give generous bonuses to new players, as well as, game-specific promotions. To participate at these sites, Virginia players must be at least
- Bovada Sportsbook – 50% Bonus Max $
- Betonline Sportsbook – 50% Bonus Max $2,
- www.enthralaviation.com – 75% Bonus Max $1,
Helpful Resources
Virginia Council On Problem Gambling
Virginia Racing Commission
Virginia Charitable Gaming Division
Vermont Lottery Playing Matters
Casinos
The Virginia Lottery is charged with the licensing and regulatory oversight of all casino operations. Prior to operating a casino or working with or in a casino, companies and individuals meeting certain definitions must be issued one of the following licenses: facility operator license, supplier permit or a service permit. Please read this information in its entirety.
Prior to operating a casino gaming establishment, a facility operator’s license must be issued by the Lottery Board. Only a preferred casino gaming operator may apply for a facility operator’s license. Click here for a sample facility operator license application.
A supplier means any person that sells or leases, or contracts to sell or lease, any casino gaming equipment, devices, or supplies, or provides any management services, to a license. There are four categories of suppliers (click on title below for further definition):
• Contractor• Principal/Key Manager
• Manufacturer and,
• Slot machine management system provider
The Gaming Licensing and Investigation’s Division will determine whether applicants should apply as a contractor, manufacturer or a slot machine management system provider and will determine which individuals working for these companies meet the definition of a principal/key manager.
Prior to contacting the Gaming and Licensing Investigation Division, the Supplier MUST have a business relationship with a casino.
Please contact the casinos at:
Portsmouth Gaming Holdings, LLC d/b/a Rivers Casino Portsmouth
David Jeshurun (djeshurun@www.enthralaviation.com)
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe
www.enthralaviation.com
Hard Rock Bristol, LLC
(vendorregistration@www.enthralaviation.com)
Caesar’s Virginia, LLC
Matt Aiazzi (MAiazzi@www.enthralaviation.com)
Suppliers must have a completed Certification of Business Relationship. This Certification must be completed by the casino. Once this certification has been obtained, and in order to determine the proper filing, prospective applicants should submit a Letter of Determination to the Gaming Licensing and Investigations Division at LetterofDetermination@www.enthralaviation.com that contains the following information:
- A copy of the Certification of a Business Relationship that identifies the Virginia casino to which the applicant will provide goods and services.
- Contract information confirming that the applicant has entered into an agreement with the Virginia casino. This information should include at a minimum, the dollar values of the goods and services and the time period in which these goods and services are to be provided.
- A comprehensive description of the goods and services to be provided to include installation and maintenance information, if applicable, and whether employees will be working on site in Virginia casinos at any point in time when the goods and services are being provided.
- An organizational chart of the applicant to include the company employees, principal entities and Institutional investors.
- A listing of all employees that meet the definition of Principal and/or Key Manager.
- Point of Contact for the applicant to whom the Virginia Lottery will correspond in reference to licensing matters and will be responsible for serving as the account representative that will coordinate the licensing process.
Once the required information is received, the Licensing and Investigations Division will reach out to the point of contract to begin the licensing process.
Remember that all suppliers are required to have a contract with a casino PRIOR to contacting the Gaming Licensing and Investigation’s Division.
Sample Applications and User Guides
Click here for the Certification of Business Relationship.
Click here for the Account Representative User Guide.
Click here for sample application for Contractor.
Click here for the Contractor User Guide.
Click here for sample application for Manufacturer and Slot Machine Management System Provider.
Click here for the Manufacturer/Slot Machine Management System Provider User Guide.
Click here for sample application for Principal/Key Manager.
Click here for the Principal/Key Manager User Guide.
Click here for sample application for Principal Entity.
Click here for Principal Entity User Guide.
Click here for Institutional Investor Form.
Click here for Institutional Investor User Guide.
There are four categories of service permits (click on title below for further definition).
• Gaming employee• Non-gaming employee
• Vendor Major
• Vendor Minor
Persons applying for any of these service permits must have a job offer or contract with a Virginia casino and work through the casino to obtain credentials to the online licensing portal. The casino, not the Virginia Lottery, is responsible for making hiring decisions and determining vendors with whom they chose to do business with. The casino representative will be required to provide Virginia Lottery with their due diligence completed relative to vetting gaming and non-gaming employees. The casino will be responsible for determining the type of service permit application that individuals and vendors are to submit.
In order to start the permit process, contact the casinos at:
Portsmouth Gaming Holdings, LLC d/b/a Rivers Casino Portsmouth
David Jeshurun (djeshurun@www.enthralaviation.com)
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe
www.enthralaviation.com
Hard Rock Bristol, LLC
(vendorregistration@www.enthralaviation.com)
Caesar’s Virginia, LLC
Coming Soon
Sample Applications and User Guides
Click here for sample application for Gaming employee.
Click here for sample application for Non-gaming employee.
Click here for sample application for Vendor Major and Vendor Minor.
Click here for the Casino Vendor Admin User Guide.
Click here for the Vendor Applicant User Manual.
Contractor:
Means a person or individual, other than an employee of a facility operator, who contracts with a facility operator or other person to:
- Manage or operate a facility;
- Provide security for a facility;
- Perform service, maintenance, or repairs of a slot machine, mechanical casino game, table game device, central operating system, associated equipment, or software;
- Own or control a person described in above;
- Provide junket enterprise services, or
- Provide any other service that is essential to operation of a casino gaming facility.
Principal:
Means an individual who, solely or together with the individual’s immediate family members, (i) owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the pecuniary interest in any entity that is a licenses, or (ii) have the power to vote or cause to vote of five percent or more of the voting securities or other ownership interests of such entity, and any person who manages a gaming operation on behalf of a licensee
Key Manager:
- An individual who owns, controls, or manages a licensee or otherwise exercises control over the gaming functions of the licensee;
- An employee of a permit holder who manages or operates the facility, supervises the security of the facility, or is otherwise considered by the department to be a key manager, and,
- Is not a gaming employee
Manufacturer:
- A person that is engaged in the business of designing, building, constructing, assembling, manufacturing, or distributing table games or table game equipment;
- A person that produces a product related to table games that is intended for sale, lease, or other assignment to a licensee or permit holder; and
- A person that contracts with a licensee or permit holder for the sale, lease or other assignment of a product described in 1 above.
Slot machine management system provider:
An entity that operates or manages the department’s central monitor and control system or a facility operator’s slot machine management system.
Gaming employee is an individual who:
Is or is seeking to be employed by an applicant for or holder of an operation license, and whose duties relate or will relate to the operation of a facility, and who performs or supervises or will perform or supervise the performance of :
- Operating, servicing, or maintaining a casino gaming machine, table games, or associated equipment;
- Accounting, maintaining, or auditing a facility’s financial records;
- Counting or processing casino gaming machine revenue or table game revenue;
- Conducting security or surveillance in or around a facility; or
- Operating or maintaining a facility’s information systems;
- Is employed by a permit holder and whose duties directly relate to the repair, service or distribution of a casino gaming machine, table game, or associated equipment, or is otherwise required to be present on the gaming floor or in a restricted area of the facility;
- Is employed by a permit holder as a junket representative;
- Is otherwise required by the department to hold a service permit as a gaming employee.
Non-Gaming Employee is an individual who is:
- Employed or is seeking to be employed by an applicant for or holder of an operation license and whose duties are or will be other than the duties of the gaming employees; or,
- Otherwise required by the department to hold a service permit as a nongaming employee.
Vendor:
Means a person who provides goods and services to a casino gaming facility applicant or licensee and who is not required to be licensed as a manufacturer or contractor under the gaming law, or department policy and directive, and includes:
- Except for Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control, providers of alcoholic beverages;
- Providers of food and nonalcoholic beverages;
- Refuse handlers;
- Vending machine providers and service personnel;
- Janitorial and maintenance companies;
- Tenant businesses or franchises located within facilities if such goods and services are not gaming related;
- Providers of transportation services if such services are not gaming related;
- Persons involved in the construction of a facility;
- Lessors of real property;
- Payroll services and other employer related services;
- Employee recruiting services; and
- Person whose services the board reviews and determines must be registered or certified under the regulations.
All fees are due at the time of application submission. Investigations will not begin until all fees have been received in the Lottery’s account. Required fees are as follows:
$15,, due at the time of the issuance of a license.
Non-Refundable Application Fee - $5,
Any employees of suppliers identified as Principals/Key Managers are required to submit:
- Non-refundable background fee of $50, Applicant is responsible for additional costs if the background investigation exceeds $50,
- Fingerprint Fee - $
Non-Refundable Application Fee - $
All individuals meeting the definitions of gaming and non-gaming employees are required to remit fingerprint fees of $
All fees are to be remitted as follows:
Wire Payment To:
Virginia Lottery Account Number:
Name of the Account: Gaming License Fees
Transit Routing Number:
ACH Instructions:
Virginia Lottery Account Number:
Name of the Account: Gaming License Fees
Transit Routing Number:
Investigations will not begin until the required fees are remitted.
Casino Gaming:
- Click here for approvals
For a copy of the Transportation Policy for Gaming Equipment, Click here.
For Frequently Asked Questions, Click here.
Notify the VA Lottery of Shipments via DocuSign.
Virginia Casinos
Virginia Code
§ Gaming contracts void.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, all wagers, conveyances, assurances, and all contracts and securities whereof the whole or any part of the consideration is money or other valuable thing won, laid, or bet, at any game, horse race, sport or pastime, and all contracts to repay any money knowingly lent at the time and place of such game, race, sport or pastime, to any person for the purpose of so gaming, betting, or wagering, or to repay any money so lent to any person who shall, at such time and place, so pay, bet or wager, shall be utterly void.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a contract governing the distribution of state lottery proceeds shall be valid and enforceable as between the parties to the contract.
§ Recovery of money or property lost in gaming.
Any person who shall, by playing at any game or betting on the sides or hands of such as play at any game, lose within twenty-four hours, the sum or value of five dollars, or more, and pay or deliver the same, or any part thereof, may, within three months next following, recover from the winner, the money or the value of the goods so lost and paid or delivered, with costs of suit in civil action, either by suit or warrant, according to the amount or value thereof.
§ Bill by loser; repayment discharges winner from punishment.
Such loser may file a bill in equity against such winner, who shall answer the same, and upon discovery and repayment of the money or property so won, or its value, such winner shall be discharged from any forfeiture or punishment which he may have incurred for winning the same.
§ Definitions.
1. "Illegal gambling" means the making, placing or receipt of any bet or wager in the Commonwealth of money or other thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake or other consideration or thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest or any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance, whether such game, contest or event occurs or is to occur inside or outside the limits of the Commonwealth.
For the purposes of this subdivision and notwithstanding any provision in this section to the contrary, the making, placing, or receipt of any bet or wager of money or other thing of value shall include the purchase of a product, Internet access, or other thing, which purchase credits the purchaser with free points or other measurable units that may be (i) risked by the purchaser for an opportunity to win additional points or other measurable units that are redeemable by the purchaser for money or (ii) redeemed by the purchaser for money, and but for the free points or other measurable units, with regard to clauses (i) and (ii), the purchase of the product, Internet access, or other thing (a) would be of insufficient value in and of itself to justify the purchase or (b) is merely incidental to the chance to win money.
2. "Interstate gambling" means the conduct of an enterprise for profit which engages in the purchase or sale within the Commonwealth of any interest in a lottery of another state or country whether or not such interest is an actual lottery ticket, receipt, contingent promise to pay, order to purchase, or other record of such interest.
3. "Gambling device" includes:
a. Any device, machine, paraphernalia, equipment, or other thing, including books, records and other papers, which are actually used in an illegal gambling operation or activity, and
b. Any machine, apparatus, implement, instrument, contrivance, board or other thing, or electronic or video versions thereof, including but not limited to those dependent upon the insertion of a coin or other object for their operation, which operates, either completely automatically or with the aid of some physical act by the player or operator, in such a manner that, depending upon elements of chance, it may eject something of value or determine the prize or other thing of value to which the player is entitled; provided, however, that the return to the user of nothing more than additional chances or the right to use such machine is not deemed something of value within the meaning of this subsection; and provided further, that machines that only sell, or entitle the user to, items of merchandise of equivalent value that may differ from each other in composition, size, shape or color, shall not be deemed gambling devices within the meaning of this subsection.
Such devices are no less gambling devices if they indicate beforehand the definite result of one or more operations but not all the operations. Nor are they any less a gambling device because, apart from their use or adaptability as such, they may also sell or deliver something of value on a basis other than chance.
4. "Operator" includes any person, firm or association of persons, who conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs or owns all or part of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation.
§ Penalty for illegal gambling.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person who illegally gambles or engages in interstate gambling as defined in § shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. If an association or pool of persons illegally gamble, each person therein shall be guilty of illegal gambling.
However, if any person makes, places, or receives any bet or wager of money or other thing of value on a horse race in the Commonwealth, whether the race is inside or outside the limits of the Commonwealth at any place or through any means other than (i) at a racetrack licensed by the Virginia Racing Commission pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ et seq.) of Title or (ii) at a satellite facility or through advance deposit account wagering, as those terms are defined in § , licensed by the Virginia Racing Commission pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ et seq.) of Title , such person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For the purposes of this paragraph, venue shall be in any county or city in which any act was performed in furtherance of any course of conduct constituting illegal gambling.
§ Winning by fraud; penalty.
If any person while gambling cheats or by fraudulent means wins or acquires for himself or another money or any other valuable thing, he shall be fined not less than five nor more than ten times the value of such winnings. This penalty shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed under this article.
§ Conducting illegal gambling operation; penalties.
The operator of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, any such operator who engages in an illegal gambling operation which (i) has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days or (ii) has gross revenue of $2, or more in any single day shall be fined not more than $20, and imprisoned not less than one year nor more than ten years.
As used in this section, the term "gross revenue" means the total amount of illegal gambling transactions handled, dealt with, received by or placed with such operation, as distinguished from any net figure or amount from which deductions are taken, without regard to whether money or any other thing of value actually changes hands.
§ Owners, etc., of gambling place permitting its continuance; penalty.
If the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in control of any place or conveyance, knows, or reasonably should know, that it is being used for illegal gambling, and permits such gambling to continue without having notified a law-enforcement officer of the presence of such illegal gambling activity, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ Accessories to gambling activity; penalty.
Any person, firm or association of persons, other than those persons specified in other sections of this article, who knowingly aids, abets or assists in the operation of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ Illegal possession, etc., of gambling device; penalty.
A person is guilty of illegal possession of a gambling device when he manufactures, sells, transports, rents, gives away, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of any gambling device, believing or having reason to believe that the same is to be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ Certain acts not deemed "consideration" in prosecution under this article.
In any prosecution under this article, no consideration shall be deemed to have passed or been given because of any person's attendance upon the premises of another; his execution, mailing or delivery of an entry blank; his answering of questions, verbally or in writing; his witnessing of a demonstration or other proceeding; or any one or more thereof, where no charge is made to, paid by, or any purchase required of him in connection therewith.
§ Exceptions to article; certain sporting events.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent any contest of speed or skill between men, animals, fowl or vehicles, where participants may receive prizes or different percentages of a purse, stake or premium dependent upon whether they win or lose or dependent upon their position or score at the end of such contest.
Any participant who, for the purpose of competing for any such purse, stake or premium offered in any such contest, knowingly and fraudulently enters any contestant other than the contestant purported to be entered or knowingly and fraudulently enters a contestant in a class in which it does not belong, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
§ Exception to article; private residences.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in a game of chance conducted in a private residence, provided such private residence is not commonly used for such games of chance and there is no operator as defined in subsection 4 of §
§ Same; bingo games, raffles and duck races conducted by certain organizations.
Nothing in this article shall apply to any bingo game, instant bingo, raffle, or duck race conducted solely by organizations as defined in § which have received a permit as set forth in § , or which are exempt from the permit requirement under §
§ Exemptions to article; state lottery.
Nothing in this article shall apply to any lottery conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title
§ Exemptions to article; pari-mutuel wagering.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering conducted in accordance with Chapter 29 (§ et seq.) of Title
§ Forfeiture of money, gambling devices, etc., seized from illegal gambling enterprise; innocent owners or lienors.
Repealed by Acts , c.
§ Immunity of witnesses from prosecution.
No witness called by the Commonwealth or by the court, giving evidence either before the grand jury or in any prosecution under this article, shall ever be prosecuted for the offense being prosecuted concerning which he testifies. Such witness shall be compelled to testify and for refusing to do so may be punished for contempt.
§ Enforcement of § by Governor and Attorney General.
If it shall come to the knowledge of the Governor that § is not being enforced in any county, city or town, the Governor may call upon the Attorney General to direct its enforcement in such county, city or town, and thereupon the Attorney General may instruct the attorney for the Commonwealth, sheriff and chief of police, if any, of such county, or the attorney for the Commonwealth and chief of police of such city, or the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county in which such town is located and the chief of police or sergeant of such town, to take such steps as may be necessary to insure the enforcement of such section in such county, city or town, and if any such officers, after receiving such instructions, shall thereafter fail or refuse to exercise diligence in the enforcement of § , the Attorney General shall make report thereof in writing to the Governor and to the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the acts thereby prohibited, and thereupon the Attorney General upon being directed so to do by the Governor, shall take such steps as he may deem proper in directing the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings, to secure the enforcement of §
§ Enjoining offenses relating to gambling.
Whenever any person shall be engaged in committing, or in permitting to be committed, or shall be about to commit, or permit, any act prohibited by any one or more of the sections in this article, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such act is being, or is about to be, committed or permitted, or the Attorney General of the Commonwealth, may institute and maintain a suit in equity in the appropriate court, in the name of the Commonwealth, upon the relation of such attorney for the Commonwealth, or the Attorney General, to enjoin and restrain such person from committing, or permitting, such prohibited act or acts. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for injunctions, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein.
§ County ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling.
The governing body of any county may adopt ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling and other illegal activity related thereto, including provision for forfeiture proceedings in the name of the county. Such ordinances shall not conflict with the provisions of this article or with other state laws and any penalties provided for violation of such ordinances shall not exceed a fine of $2, or confinement in jail for twelve months, either or both.
Virginia Online Casinos in virginia alt="">
Are Online Casinos Legal In Virginia?
No, online casinos are not legal in Virginia. State law allows for online and retail sports betting and land-based casinos in a limited number of cities. Virginia law would need to be changed in order for online casinos to be legal in the state.
There is hope casinos in virginia this could change in the coming years if sports betting does well in the state.
The SB gambling bill was passed in earlycasinos in virginia the way for legalized sports wagering. It also looked at a way for land-based casinos in Virginia to be introduced. However, it wasn’t until that a revised bill – HB4 – sought to include casino games in the full package. Some Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators were already live in Virginia.
HB4 passed the Virginia General Assembly in earlywith gambling operators and casinos overseen by the Virginia Lottery Board. The first sports betting sites casinos in virginia in early Under the law, cities passing certain criteria are able to open a land based casino. The criteria for opening a brick ’n mortar casino in Virginia is:
- Decline in population of 7% or more between and
- 40% of all real estate is exempt from local property tax
- Poverty rate of 20% or more
- Unemployment rate of % or more in
Cities needed to hold a public referendum to gauge support for any casino. Four cities already have OK’d a casino (Portsmouth, Norfolk, Danville, Bristol) with a fifth, Richmond, scheduled to vote on a referendum in November
-