Poker Games In Virginia

1. Free Poker Games In Virginia Beach
2. Poker Games In Virginia Primary
3. Free Casino Poker Games
4. Poker Games In Virginia Tech

Poker in Virginia, including Live and Online Poker Rooms in every city, tournament schedules, series events, promotions, and community discussion. According to the Virginia law, you are allowed to take part in “contests of speed or skill between animals, men, fowl, and vehicles, games of chance in a private residence (assuming the residence is not commonly used for such purposes), bingo games, raffles, and duck races conducted by charitable organizations, state lottery, and pari-mutuel.

Virginia is one of the last states in the nation to legalize casino gambling. In 2019 the state legislation approved five cities as locations to build casino resorts.

Four of these cities selected a casino proposal from the plans submitted by applicants, and final approval was granted by local voters in the Nov 2020 election. The fifth city, Richmond, delayed their casino process by one year.

No Tribal Casinos
Virginia remains a state with no Indian gaming casinos, however, the Norfolk casino will be developed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, and the Bristol casino will be operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under their Hard Rock subsidiary. Both casino will be state-licensed commercial casinos and not operate under the U.S. Indian Gaming Act.

Virginia's First Casinos

This brief video summarized the story of how casinos were legalized in Virginia.

• Previously only draw games were allowed. While there were more poker games in California than anywhere else before this, the number of games and the action hold'em brought both increased dramatically. Cavernous poker rooms like the Commerce Casino and the Bicycle Club began operating in the LA area.
• West Virginia Online Poker Much to the delight of poker players, West Virginia legalized online gambling in 2019. That includes online poker, making WV the fourth state in the country to offer legal and regulated online poker. It won’t be immediate and state regulators don’t expect online poker to launch until sometime in 2021.
• Nov 04, 2015 Unlike most casino games, the player may bet against the dealer, and other players in pai gow poker. This is known as 'banking.' The turn to act as banker is supposed to rotate around the table, but at some casinos it zig-zags between the dealer and each player in turn.

Bristol Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Courtesy of Bristol Herald Courier, Feb 12, 2021. Available from YouTube

Five cities have been authorized by legislation to host casinos. Four cities have approved a casino referendum - Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth. These four casino are entering a development stage in early 2021.The fifth casino designated for Richmond will follow by one year.

Virginia casinos will operate under state licenses issued by the Virginia Lottery Board. None of the casinos will operate under the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, however, two of Virginia's first four casinos will be operated by Native American tribes.

• The Norfolk Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.

• Hard Rock Casino in Bristol is operated by Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Projected Casino Opening Dates

Virginia's first four casinos will start construction in 2021 and open to the public in late 2022 and early 2023. The Richmond casino will follow a year later.

Virginia's Casino Gaming Laws

In March 2019 a new casino gaming law was passed by the state general assembly and signed by the governor. In the Nov. 2020 election voters approved construction of casinos in the four cities of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth.

'Casino Gaming'
Virginia law defines casino gaming as follows:

'... baccarat, blackjack, twenty-one, poker, craps, dice, slot machines, sports betting, roulette wheels, Klondike tables, punchboards, faro layouts, keno layouts, numbers tickets, push cards, jar tickets, pull tabs, online gaming, and any other activity that is authorized by the Board as a wagering game or device under Chapter 41 (§ 58.1-4100 et seq.).

Source: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+ful+SB1126ER

News Headlines

Richmond casino bidders include Alabama's Poarch IndiansFebruary 25, 2021 - Poarch Band of Creek Indians have joined the fight for the sole casino license in Richmond, VA. The tribe submitted a $541 million proposal to build a casino resort on the city's South Side.... Read more Richmond receives four casino applications by dealineFebruary 23, 2021 - Before the deadline closed last night, four applicants had submitted their proposals for building a casino in Richmond, Virginia. Here is the early information regarding the applications. More details are expected... Read moreVirginia Lottery Board approves state casino regulationsFebruary 13, 2021 - Last week the Virginia State Lottery Board approved its initial set of casino regulations to govern state-approved casino gambling operations. The provisions include slot machine payout percentages... Read moreVirginia Sports Betting began Jan 1January 7, 2021 - January 1st was the beginning date for legalized sports betting in Virginia. The first online sportsbooks are expected to launch later this month just in time for Super Bowl LV on February 7th. A maximum of 12 operators... Read moreRichmond casino will be selected from three proposalsDecember 29, 2020 - Voters in Richmond, Virginia will decide in a Nov 2021 election whether to approve or reject a casino for their city. The casino proposed on the ballot will be selected by the Richmond City Council... Read moreRichmond casino timeline through 2023December 7, 2020 - Richmond is starting the year-long process to select a casino applicant for development of a casino resort within its city. Richmond was one of five cities authorized by the Virginia General Assembly to build a casino... Read moreTimeline for opening new Virginia CasinosNovember 29, 2020 - he Virginia Lottery Board has begun the long process towards licensing and opening the first Vegas-style casinos in Virgnia after voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth approved casino referendums... Read more Headlines continued...

Approved Casinos

Virginia legislation allows casino gambling in five cities: Danville, Bristol, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Richmond. Richmond residents will vote later on a ballot measure to approve a casino. The other four cities voted approvals on Nov. 3, 2020.

BRISTOL, VIRGINIA
HARD ROCK CASINO BRISTOL
This $150M casino will be built on the site of the former Bristol Mall property and feature a casino, a live concert venue and a 600-1000 room hotel. See Details

DANVILLE, VIRGINIA
CAESARS VIRGINIA
Caesars Entertainment will build a $400 million casino resort in Danville at the former site of Dan River Mills' Schoolfield Division. See Details

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
NORFOLK RESORT & CASINO
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe will build a $700M casino and hotel on the Norfolk waterfront next to the minor league baseball stadium. See Details

PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA
RIVERS CASINO PORTSMOUTH
The Portsmouth casino will cost $300 million and built on the Elizabeth River near the marina on property once occupied by a Holiday Inn. See Details

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
RICHMOND CASINO - Future
The city of Richmond has started the process of selecting a casino operator and a location by summer 2021. Voter approval will be scheduled for Nov. 2021. See Details

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Horse Track Gaming Emporiums

Rosie's Gaming Emporium at Colonial Downs - New Kent, VA
10515 Colonial Downs Parkway
New Kent, VA 23124
Phone: (804) 446-0034

News Articles

Virginia Lottery Board Approves Casino Regulations

February 13, 2021

Last week the Virginia State Lottery Board approved its initial set of casino regulations to govern state-approved casino gambling operations. The provisions include slot machine payout percentages, distribution of fees and taxes, gambling policies and security.

The state-licensed casinos in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville and potentially Richmond will be subject to the following regulations. This is a partial list of the key provisions.

FEES AND TAXES

• Each casino will pay the state a one-time $15 million licensing fee good for 10 years.

• Each casino will pay the Virginia Lottery a $50,000 fee for background investigations of casino officials and investors.

• Gross gaming revenues will be taxed on a graduated scale of 18-30 percent and paid to the Virginia Gaming Proceeds Fund.

• Most of the Gaming Proceed Funds will be allocated to the local governments in cities with casinos. One percent will go to the Virginia Indigenous People's Trust Fund, 0.8 percent to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, and 0.2 percent ftor the Family and Children's Trust Fund.

GAMBLING

• The minimum age of 21 is required to enter a casino.

• Each casino must develop and advertise a responsible gambling program.

• Casinos cannot extend credit to gamblers.

• Wagering cannot be conducted in cash. Gamblers must wager with tokens, chips, or electronic cards purchased from the casino.

• Slot machine wagers can range from a penny to $500.

• Slot machine payouts must average between 89 and 94 percent.

• Table game wager limits are $5 to $50,000.

SECURITY

• Each casino must have a minimum of 1,000 square feet of office space adjacent to the gaming floor for the purpose of security and surveillance.

The above features are some of the preliminary regulations approved by the Lottery Board. The board will publish a full set of casino regulations upon completion.

Back Full Page >Virginia Casinos Updates 2021

Virginia Sports Betting began Jan 1

January 7, 2021

January 1st was the beginning date for legalized sports betting in Virginia. The first online sportsbooks are expected to launch later this month just in time for Super Bowl LV on February 7th.

Last July the Virginia General Assembly authorized the Virginia Lottery to license and oversee all sportsbook operations in the state. A maximum of 12 licenses is authorized, and nearly two dozen applications have been received. It is expected that four licenses will be issued to the recent voter-approved casinos: Caesars Virginia in Danville, Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, Pamunkey Tribe's Resort & Casino in Norfolk and Rivers Casino in Portsmouth. The other eight will likely be issued to established operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and others. One may be held for the future Richmond Casino.

Sports betting in Virginia is expected to generate $400 million in annual revenues. The state will collect 15% of the revenue as taxes.

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Timeline for opening new Virginia Casinos

November 29, 2020

The Virginia Lottery Board has begun the long process towards licensing and opening the first Vegas-style casinos in Virginia. Those casinos will be Hard Rock Casino Bristol in Bristol, Caesars Virginia in Danville, Norfolk Resort & Casino in Norfolk and Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Portsmouth.

Here is the expected timeline from today until the first casinos open:

November 2020
Virginia Lottery attorneys have begun preparing casino gaming regulations soon after November 3 when Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth approved casino referendums for their cities.

February 2021
The Virginia Lottery Board will see a draft version of the regulations in February 2021. A final version is expected to be approved by April 2021.

April 2021
Kevin Hall, Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery, anticipates 'to begin accepting the first casino applications shortly after the initial regs take effect in April.' All casino applicants will undergo an extensive criminal and financial background investigation that could take up to a year.

Spring-Summer 2021
The first casino operator licenses will be issued in the spring or summer of 2022.

Spring 2022
The first new casinos are expected to open in Virginia.

Temporary Casinos
Hard Rock Bristol proposed a temporary casino while its main casino is under construction, however, this is unlikely because a temporary casino follows the same licensing provisions and procedures as a permanent casino.

Back Full Page >Virginia Casinos Updates 2021

Virginia voters approve casinos in four cities

November 5, 2020

Local voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth approved local referendums to build casinos in their respective cities. Votes were 2 to 1 in favor of these casinos.

Bristol Casino
HARD ROCK CASINO BRISTOL
This $400 million casino and hotel project that will be built on the site of the former Bristol Mall. The plan includes a 90,000-square-foot casino, a live concert venue, and a 600-1000 room hotel.

Danville Casino
CAESARS VIRGINIA
This $400 million casino and hotel project will be built at the former site of Dan River Mills' Schoolfield Division. It includes a casino, restaurants, 2,500-seat live entertainment center, conference space, and a 300-room hotel with spa.

Norfolk Casino
NORFOLK RESORT & CASINO
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe plans a $500 milliion casino and hotel on the Norfolk waterfront next to the minor league baseball stadium. The project includes a casino with 3,000 slot machines, 150 table games and a 300-room hotel.

Portsmouth Casino
RIVERS CASINO PORTSMOUTH
This $300 million casino and hotel project will be built on the Elizabeth River near the marina on property of the former Holiday Inn. It features 400,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment including a 3,000-seat entertainment center and a 4-star hotel.

Back Full Page >Virginia Casinos Updates 2021

VA Govenor amends and returns casino bill to legislature

April 12, 2020

Governor Ralph Northam supports the expansion of gaming in Virginia, however, he did not sign the gaming bill sent to him by the legislature. Instead he amended the bill and returned it to the legislature to reconsider.

The key provision amended by the governor was the distribution of gaming revenues received by the state. Instead of designating the income to the Virginia General Fund as prescribed in the bill, the governor wants two-thirds sent to state education programs.

The General Assembly will now reconvene on the issue to complete the bill. If the governor's changes are approved, the bill becomes law. If rejected or no action is taken, the governor will make the final decision by either signing or vetoing the bill.

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Virginia moves to legalize casinos, sports betting

March 13, 2020

This week the Virginia General Assembly gave its final approvals to a major expansion in state gambling by passing two bills to legalize casinos and sports betting.

SPORTS BETTING BILL

Online sports betting will be legalized for professional sports and college sports excluding Virginia schools. These may become available by end of year.

Permits to operate a sports betting website or app will be limited to 12. This limit does not apply to the casinos or major sport teams in Virginia. Professional teams like the Washington Redskins and others based in the state can also build brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Virginia-based stadiums.

Sports betting will not be included in the 'skill games' betting machines that are widely available in convenience stores, truck stops and restaurants.

CASINO BILL

Casinos will be built in Bristol, Danville, Richmond, Norfolk and Portsmouth if approved by local voters. Referendums on each casino and its location will be held later this year.

Pamunkey Indian Tribe plan to build casinos in Richmond and Norfolk.

'After centuries of disenfranchisement and social injustices, the Pamunkey Tribe is on the verge of ensuring the long-term success of the Tribe. Its plans to build two resorts with casinos will allow the Tribe to provide needed programs and services to its members. It will be a great partner for Norfolk and Richmond.'

Pamunkey spokesman Jay Smith

NEXT STEP

Both bills are noW waiting for Gov. Ralph Northam's for signature.

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Virginia governor remains noncommittal on casino legislation

January 17, 2020

Gov. Ralph Northam said he is open to the idea of casino legalization in Virginia, but has not taken a position on Bill SB1126, which must be reenacted by both the House and the Senate in this session. If passed, the governor will make the final decision on whether to sign the legislation into law and legalize casino gambling in the state.

Bill SB1126 was introduced in the 2019 legislative session. It has been amended by both houses and must be reenacted in the 2020 Session of the General Assembly.

The bill will authorize casino gambling in a limited number of cities. The Virginia Lottery Board will license and regulate the casinos. City residents must vote to approve these casinos.

For a full summary of the bill and its amendments, visit SB 1126 Lottery Board; regulation of casino gaming, penalties, report.

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2020 Preview: Virginia Casino Legalization?

January 7, 2020

One of the hot topics for the Virginia legislature in 2020 will be casino gambling. Virginia is currently one of nine states that prohibit casinos.

In March 2019 a casino law was passed by the state general assembly and signed by the governor that will give local voters an opportunity this year to approve or disapprove casinos in five proposed cities: Bristol, Danville, Richmond, Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The legislature also directed a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to determine the impact of casinos on these communities. The results of the JLARC's report were these:

• Casinos would generate $260 million a year in new state gaming taxes.

• Casinos would create 5,000 new jobs.

• A northern Virginia casino would generate an additional $155 million in state gaming taxes, and create an additional 3,200 jobs.

The Virginia general assembly is caonsidering bill SB1126 in the 2020 session for the next step towards the legalization of casinos. If passed and if residents approve a local casino referendum later this year, the first Virginia casino will open after 12-18 months of construction.

For details on the cities with current casino proposals, read these pages:

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Virginia Gov Signs Casino Gambling Bill

March 26, 2019

Governor Ralph Northam signed Senate Bill 1126 into law Friday in an essential step toward authorizing casino gambling in Virginia. The bill had passed the Senate 30-10 and the House 64-33.

The new law is not the final authorization needed to build casinos. The final authorization can only be granted by voters in a November 2020 referendum ballot.

There are additional steps defined between now and the referendum that will be the responsibility of the Lottery Board. This law authorizes the Lottery Board to regulate all casino gaming and provides a framework for the Board to follow in drafting its policies, rules and procedures.

SB 1126 SUMMARY: 'Lottery Board; regulation of casino gaming, penalties'

• Casino gaming will be regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board.

• Casino gaming will only operate in five cities: Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Richmond and Norfolk.

• City residents must approve the casino by referendum.

• The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) will research casino gaming laws in other states and submit a report before December 1, 2019.

• Referenda must be held after the JLARC report and before January 1, 2021.

• After the Lottery Board drafts its gaming regulations, the 2020 Session of the General Assembly must re-enact the bill.

• The Lottery Board cannot issue casino licenses prior to July 1, 2020.

Casino Gaming, Sports Betting and Online Gambling

This law specifies the following definition of casino gaming, which implies the legalization of sports betting and online gambling.

'Casino gaming' means baccarat, blackjack, twenty-one, poker, craps, dice, slot machines, sports betting, roulette wheels, Klondike tables, punchboards, faro layouts, keno layouts, numbers tickets, push cards, jar tickets, pull tabs, online gaming, and any other activity that is authorized by the Board as a wagering game or device under Chapter 41 (§ 58.1-4100 et seq.).

Back Full Page >Virginia Casinos Updates 2021

Virginia General Assembly Passes Casino Bill

February 24, 2019

The General Assembly voted today to legalize casino gambling in Virginia and grant regulation authority to the Virginia Lottery Board.

The bill passed the Senate 30-10 and the House 64-33. To become law it requires the signature of the governor and a voter referendum to authorize an amendment to the state constitution.

Under the provisions of the bill the Virginia Lottery Board would develop rules and regulations for casino gambling and procedures for licensing casino applicants. The regulations must be completed and approved before June 30, 2020. Casino licenses will be issued after July 1, 2020.

The bill specifies five cities where casinos can be built: Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth and either Norfolk or Richmond. Residents must vote to approve or disapprove the casino planned for their city. Referenda must be passed before Jan. 1, 2021.

The state would tax each casino 13 to 15 percent of the annual adjusted gross revenue.

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First Virginia Casino Bill Passes Senate Committee

Danville, Bristol, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Richmond Selected for Casinos

January 21, 2019

The Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology voted 9-3-1 to pass Senate Bill 1126, the first major step taken to legalize casinos in Virginia.

The bill allows five cities to hold referendums this fall to determine whether voter approve or disapprove of casino projects in their cities. The five cities are Danville, Bristol, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Richmond. Casino licenses would be issued beginning July 1, 2020.

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe can apply for a federally approved casino but has announced its interest in pursuing a commercial casino license with the state. '... we believe that if the Commonwealth is ready to authorize gaming, our project should be part of it,' said Robert Gray, Pamunkey Indian Tribe Chief. Possible sites for the Pamunkey casino are Norfolk and Richmond.

Under the term of the Bill, the state would receive 10% of gross revenues from each licensed casino. Half would go to cities where casinos are located and the remainder would stay with the state for public school construction and the general fund.

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Virginia tribes celebrate federal recognition

October 05, 2018

On Wednesday a celebration was held by members of seven Virginia Indian tribes over the federal government granting formal recognition.

Representatives and officials from the Nation Park Service, Virginia governor's office, senate offices, and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman were in attendance.

The federal recognition allows the tribes to apply for federal services and funding.

For decades these tribes have attempted to obtain their federal recognition. They include the Chickahominy, Chickahominy Eastern Division, Rappahannock, Pamunkey, Nansemond, Upper Mattaponi, and the Monacan tribes.

The first Virginia tribe to receive federal recognition was the Pamunkey Tribe in January 2016. The tribe has plans to develop a $700 million casino on land approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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A politician from Virginia is pushing for a Portsmouth casino

August 26, 2012

A bill has been submitted by Sen. Louise Lucas. It will be available for the next session of the General Assembly. The decision behind the new gaming bill was related to a visit to Maryland. The senator was impressed by the success of their two month old casino. Maryland earns 67 percent of the gaming revenue.

Portsmouth is the proposed area for the new casino. She believes that area would help retain casino goers from going to another state to gamble.

Currently the state is having a difficult time finding ways to raise funds for the various programs. Residents of the state are against highway tolls and raising taxes. Lucas believes that casino gaming may be a solution to help pay for education and infrastructure.

Back Full Page >Virginia Casinos Updates 2021

News Headlines Continued

2020 Election: Virginia voters approve casinos in four citiesNovember 5, 2020 - Local voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth approved local referendums to build casinos in their respective cities. Votes were 2 to 1 in favor of these casinos.... Read more 2020 Election: Norfolk voters approve Pamunkey Tribe casino planNovember 6, 2020 - On Tuesday the voters in Norfolk approved a plan by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to build a $500M resort & casino on the Elizabeth River waterfront near Harbor Park.... Read more 2020 Election: Danville voters approve Caesars Virginia casino planNovember 5, 2020 - The proposed $400M Caesars Virginia was approved by Danville voters this week. The project includes a casino, a 2,500-seat entertainment venue and a 300-room hotel.... Read more 2020 Election: Portsmouth voters approve Rivers Casino planNovember 5, 2020 - The $300M Rivers Casino Portsmouth was approved by Portsmouth voters this week. The project includes a casino, a 3,000-seat entertainment venue and a hotel. The location is... Read more2020 Election: Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, VA is approved by votersNovember 4, 2020 - Voters in Bristol, Virginia yesterday approved a ballot referendum to build a $400 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at the former Bristol Mall. The vote was 71% in favor.... Read more Hard Rock Bristol plans temporary casino during main constructionNovember 2, 2020 - If the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino planned for Bristol, Virginia is approved by voters tomorrow, Hard Rock will build a temporary casino to operate until construction is finished on... Read more Hard Rock Bristol forecasts employment opportunitiesOctober 22, 2020 - As the Nov. 3 election approaches, a job information event supporting the proposed Hard Rock Casino in Bristol was held by executives of Hard Rock International and Bristol's Chamber... Read more Pamunkey Tribe selects development team for Norfolk casinoOctober 21, 2020 - Last week the Pamunkey Tribe announced the hiring of a two-company development team for their proposed Norfolk Resort Casino. HKS Architects designed AT&T Stadium Dallas... Read more Pamunkey Tribe makes final push for Norfolk casinoOctober 20, 2020 - As the Nov. 3 election nears the Pamunkey Indian Tribe is making a final push for voter approval to build a casino near Harbor Park. The casino is supported by the Yes Norfolk Committee... Read more Bristol Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Preview VideoSeptember 22, 2020 - Developers of the planned Bristol Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, Virginia discuss the features and amenities designed for the property.... Read more Bristol Hard Rock Hotel & Casino unveils new 3D modelSeptember 22, 2020 - A 3D model of the planned Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino in Bristol went on public display last Thursday at the former Bristol Mall. The model shows the casino, entertainment venue... Read more TV ads seeks voter support for Hard Rock BristolSeptember 11, 2020 - The 'Vote Yes For Bristol' campaign launched its first TV ads this week in a major effort to win voter approval in the Nov. 3 election to build the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, Virginia.... Read moreNorfolk Resort Casino voter campaign is launchedSeptember 7, 2020 - The 'All In Norfolk' campaign to gather voter support for the Norfolk Resort Casino is officially underway. The Norfolk casino requires voter approval in the Nov. 3, 2020 election for construction... Read more Hard Rock Casino Bristol receives local business supportSeptember 6, 2020 - A coalition of Bristol businesses has announced support for the Hard Rock Casino project and the 'Vote Yes For Bristol' ballot referendum. The coalition is named 'Small Businesses for Bristol'... Read moreHard Rock Bristol Nov 3 election ballot updateJuly 21, 2020 - The Bristol City Council unanimously approved a resolution last week seeking to add a voter referendum on the Hard Rock Casino plan for Bristol on the ballot for the upcoming Nov 3 general election.... Read moreHard Rock Bristol plan is pre-certified by VA Lottery BoardJuly 17, 2020 - The Virginia Lottery Board has OK'd plans for the proposed Hard Rock Casino in Bristol. The board's action paves the way for a Nov 3 ballot referendum to allow Bristol residents to approve... Read more Hard Rock Bristol will build a temporary casinoJuly 4, 2020 - Hard Rock Bristol will apply for a gaming license to operate a temporary casino inside the former Bristol Mall adjacent to the future site of the permanent Hard Rock Casino Bristol.... Read more Hard Rock Casino Bristol is approved by City CouncilMay 26, 2020 - The City Council of Bristol, Virginia voted 5-0 to approve the casino proposal from Hard Rock International. Next steps are approval by the Virginia Lottery Board followed by voter approval on... Read moreVA Govenor amends and returns casino bill to legislatureApril 12, 2020 - Gov. Northam supports gambling in Virginia, however, he did not sign the gaming bill sent to him by the legislature. Instead he amended and returned it to the legislature to reconsider.... Read moreVirginia moves to legalize casinos, sports bettingMarch 13, 2020 - This week the Virginia General Assembly gave its final approvals to a major expansion in state gambling by passing bills to legalize sports betting and build casinos in Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth,... Read morePamunkey Indian Tribe proposes $350M Richmond casino resortJanuary 23, 2020 - The Pamunkey tribe have announced plans to build a $350 million Indian gaming casino in South Richmond. The project includes a 275-room hotel, spa, pool and fitness center... Read morePamunkey tribe and Norfolk sign casino agreementsJanuary 16, 2020 - The Pamunkey Tribe and the City of Norfolk signed two agreements advance the tribe's plan to build a $700 million casino on the Elizabeth River.... Read moreVirginia governor remains noncommittal on casino legislationJanuary 17, 2020 - Gov. Ralph Northam has stated he is open to the idea of casino legalization, but has not taken a position on Bill SB1126 which will be debated and amended in this year's legislature... Read moreCherokee propose casino in southwestern VirginiaJanuary 15, 2020 - The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) last week announced plans for building a casino, hotel, indoor water park and outdoor concert venue on a 350-acre tract known as The Pinnacle.... Read more2020 Preview: Virginia Casino Legalization?January 7, 2020 - Casinos are prohibited in Virginia, however legislation passed last year may open the door to legalization of casinos. A study shows casino gambling will add 5,000 jobs and $260M in state taxes... Read more Virginia Casino News Archive ...

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Poker Games In Virginia Primary

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Free Casino Poker Games

Virginia is for lovers, or so goes the old tourism slogan for the state. It’s also for American presidents (eight have been born there), those seeking education (more advanced institutions per capita than nearly any other state) and – of course – poker players. The population of the state is young, diverse and generally well-off, a demographic that generally enjoys high online poker participation rates. As the game’s popularity continues to expand, more visitors contact us with questions about online poker in Virginia – questions that we’ll cover in this always-updated Virginian’s Guide to Playing Poker Online.

Recent Updates into 2021

Though Virginia has traditionally stayed away from legalizing much gambling, that may change in the coming years. A shuttered mall and racetrack both seek the help of casino games to bring their businesses back to life.

There have been previous attempts to legalize casino gambling in the state, but few garnered much support. State Senator Louise Lucas proposed that the legislature declare poker a game of skill and exclude it from the state’s current anti-gambling statutes, a bill that passed the Senate in 2017 but not the other side of the legislature.

Some have been successful. Virginia became the first state to legalize and regulate DFS in 2016, which is now happening in many other states as well. The Virginia General Assembly authorized slot machines for Colonial Downs in a revitalization effort, and that law did pass in 2018.

The latest project is being spearheaded by a lobbying group hired by the owners of the empty Bristol Mall. They are currently speaking to lawmakers about authorizing a casino for the space. Some legislators believe the support isn’t there to pass a bill yet, but they acknowledge the need for additional revenue and the tourism going to neighboring states with legal gambling casinos.

Virginia pursued a casino bill in 2019. Technically, it was pre-filed on December 28, 2018 by Virginia Senator L. Louise Lucas. SB.1126 moved quickly, passing through the Committee on General Laws and Technology in January and then through the Finance Committee nine days later. It then went to the Senate floor and passed by a vote of 28-12. The House Rules committee passed it, and it went to the floor of the House, where it passed 80-17 on February 4. A few changes required more votes, but it happened in early March.

Governor Ralph Northam signed the bill on March 22, which allows for casinos to be built if approved by the appropriate citizens through local referendums, along with two casinos to be handled by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. The Virginia Lottery Board will oversee all of the processes.

Importantly, the Lottery Board may also develop regulations for online gaming and sports betting if it so chooses. This will include online poker and casino games. It is unclear as to how lottery officials will interpret and if they will draft regulations, but it is now in their hands.

Virginia Gambling & Poker Laws Summarized

Type/Code	Summary
State Code Section(s)	18.2.8.325-340; 59.1.29.364-405; 59.1.51.556-570
Definition of Illegal Gambling	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. This includes 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 risked by the purchaser for an opportunity to win additional points or other measurable units that are redeemable by the purchaser for money or redeemed by the purchaser for money, and but for the free points or other measurable units, the purchase of the product, Internet access, or other thing would be of insufficient value in and of itself to justify the purchase or is merely incidental to the chance to win money.
Definition of Gambling Device	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.
Definition of Bet	A bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance, even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose anything of value specified in the agreement.
Definition of Interstate Gambling	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.
Online Poker/Gambling	Lawmakers have shown no interest in legalized online poker or gaming.
Live Poker	There are no casinos or legal poker rooms in Virginia. There was an effort in 2017 to designate poker as a game of skill and allow poker games and tournaments, and it did pass the Senate but died in the House.
Casinos	Virginia does not allow casinos, despite the efforts of one legislator for several years.
Sports Betting	There have been no proposals to consider legalizing sports betting.
DFS	Virginia became the first state to legalize daily fantasy sports contests.
Other Forms of Gambling	Horse racing, off-track pari-mutuel betting, bingo and charitable gambling like raffles, lottery, games of chance in private residences.

Online Poker Sites in Virginia

Choosing a VA internet poker site doesn’t sound like much of a task – until you set about doing it. That’s when you realize how helpful it would be to have the perspective of other players who have already been in your situation, who have already compared all of the poker sites in Virginia and assembled the best picks in a handy list. Good news: you do. This real money poker page is continually updated and reflects operators with the top combination of promotional value, security and reliability:

Poker Sites Open to Players From Your State

Bovada	$500 Bonus	3-4 Day Payouts	Accepts Visa, Bitcoin, Wires
Ignition	$2000 Bonus	3-4 Day Payouts	Accepts Visa, Bitcoin, Wires
Intertops	$600 Bonus	5 Day Payouts	Accepts Visa, Wires
BetOnline	$2500 Bonus	5-7 Day Payouts	Accepts Visa, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Wires
Sportsbetting	$2500 Bonus	5-7 Day Payouts	Accepts Visa, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Wires

How Do I Play Online Poker in Virginia?

There are certainly states in America – Washington comes to mind as one – where residents do face a real challenge finding an online poker site that will let them play real cash games. Virginia laws do not fall into that category, so playing VA online poker is just as easy as doing anything else online.

Once you choose one of the top poker sites and make an account, your only remaining hurdle will be depositing funds into that account. The most popular methods for doing so for players from the state of Virginia: credit cards such as VISA and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Virginia Law and Online Poker Games

What view does Virginia betting laws take of playing online poker for money? Questions about gambling can be murky affairs, and questions about Virginia online gambling tend to be doubly so. We don’t pretend to have the legal background to offer absolute answers to such questions, but we can provide you with objective information about Virginia poker laws and leave it to you to decide.

Virginia law has a pretty standard definition of gambling provided via Section 18-2-325. Basically, betting anything of value on anything that is “uncertain or a matter of chance” qualifies as illegal gambling in Virginia.

If you participate in illegal gambling as a player, you could face a misdemeanor charge (Section 18-2-326).

If you’re on the business side of illegal gambling activity, there are a number of charges you could potentially face under Virginia law. The primary charge for operators is “Conducting illegal gambling operation,” which is a felony (Section 18-2-238).

Cheaters face an interesting punishment in Virginia. Get caught cheating at gambling and you could be forced to a pay a fine equal to five to ten times the amount won via the cheating (Section 18-2-327).

Private gambling – commonly referred to as social gambling – is permitted in Virginia per the conditions set forth in Section 18-2-334.

Virginia law allows individual counties to come up with their own laws regarding gambling restriction, so players should check with their local law in addition to becoming familiar with state gambling law.

Read more: Virginia state code online below.

Will Virginia Regulate Online Poker?

It’s always tough to put a specific number on a state’s chances of regulating online poker, but with Virginia online poker laws, it is safe to say that regulated online poker in VA is, at best, an underdog. There simply isn’t any indication that the state government intends to even look at the issue of legal online gambling. If regulation takes off in bordering states, then Virginia’s chances improve – but they will still likely remain below average for real money poker sites.

All Poker and Gambling Laws by State

• March 25th, 2019

  Lawmakers in Virginia have been considering legalized gambling within its borders for years. Beyond the lottery and a horse racing track, there is little gambling for residents or to attract visitors. Occasionally, a bill to authorize land-based casinos would be proposed, but there was rarely enough support to even get

  Read Full
• September 6th, 2018

  Virginia offers little legalized gambling outside of the lottery. There is one horse racing track, Colonial Downs, which is located in New Kent between Williamsburg and Richmond, and pari-mutuel wagering to go with it. And limited charitable gambling in the form of bingo and similar games is allowed by law.

  Read Full

• United States lottery officials are concerned about the future growth of their games, because millennial gamblers seem less interested in playing the lotto than their parents. The US lottery industry generated $80 billion in sales in 2015, more than the combined sales for movie tickets, musical concerts, and song downloads.

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• An illegal gambling ring set up by a former USC Trojans football player is alleged to have used terror tactics against its victims. Some of the tactics used include mailed videos of beheadings, as well as photos of the desecration of the grave sites of victim’s deceased family members. The

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Virginia Gambling Facts

There are no casinos in the state of Virginia, and no tribal gambling facilities either. That leaves the Virginia Lottery, pari-mutuel betting and charitable gambling as the state’s regulated gambling lineup. Social gambling also enjoys an exemption from VA online gambling laws.

What sort of activity is permitted under the charitable gambling exceptions to Virginia state law? The major forms are bingo games and raffles, with select additional activities available depending on the type and status of your organization.

Does Virginia Offer any Regulated Online Gambling?

You won’t find any Virginia licensed online poker sites or casinos because they don’t exist. The state of Virginia does not regulate any forms of Internet-based gambling – and it doesn’t look they’ll be getting into the business of doing so any time soon.

Virginia Gambling Resources

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services . The DACS is responsible for regulating charitable gambling in Virginia. Get all of the facts related to Virginia charitable gambling at the DACS homepage.

Casinos Near the DC Area . This guide from About.com will walk you through all of the casino options in the region surrounding Virginia. While there aren’t any casinos in Virginia, there are a number of options that are barely an hour away from most parts of the state.

Poker Games In Virginia Tech

Virginia Gambling Laws . Complete text of the gambling and charitable gambling law on Virginia’s books, along with text of all 50 state laws regarding gambling.

Sources & Citations For This Article on Virginia Online Poker