In recent years, Virginia has witnessed significant growth in the gambling industry, but the state’s regulatory framework has struggled to keep pace. With the industry now sprawling across various forms of gaming, from casinos to online betting, state lawmakers are debating the creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission to oversee this booming sector.

For over three decades, Virginians have had access to the lottery and pari-mutuel betting. However, the last five years have seen a surge in gambling options, including the introduction of casinos and sports betting. This rapid expansion has left regulation fragmented, spread across multiple state agencies with varying degrees of oversight. As a result, there is a growing consensus among legislators that it may be time to consolidate these regulatory functions under a single agency.

Proposal for a Centralized Gaming Authority

Del. Terry Austin (R-Botetourt Co.) is a member of a joint subcommittee tasked with exploring the feasibility of establishing the Virginia Gaming Commission. During a recent meeting in Richmond, the subcommittee reviewed a consultant’s recommendation to create this new regulatory body. The proposal suggests maintaining the Virginia Lottery as a separate entity while forming the Virginia Gaming Commission to handle the regulation of other gambling activities.

In an interview with WDBJ7, Austin expressed his belief that the time has come to streamline the regulatory process. “I think oftentimes maybe we get complacent, and things grow and we don’t acknowledge the growth. We don’t acknowledge the value that they can bring and sort of we lose control,” Austin said. “So now, we’re reeling all of this back in.”

Currently, several agencies are involved in regulating the state’s gambling industry. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) oversees certain aspects, while the State Police are responsible for investigating and regulating others. Casinos operate under their own set of regulations, with specific policies on how their machines report financial activity to the Commonwealth, ensuring proper accounting of revenues.

Addressing Problem Gambling and Protecting Key Industries

Another critical issue at the forefront of this discussion is problem gambling. As the number of gambling options has grown, so too have the challenges associated with gambling addiction. Del. Austin highlighted the importance of creating a regulatory framework that not only enforces gambling laws but also provides support for those struggling with addiction. “Problem gambling has become an issue, the ability to enforce problem gambling and help people who’ve asked for help and put themselves on a problem gambling list. We need to be able to support all of that,” he emphasized.

Beyond regulatory consolidation and problem gambling, Austin is also concerned about how these changes might impact Virginia’s equine industry and non-profits that rely on revenue from charitable gaming. The horse racing industry, in particular, has a long history in Virginia, and any shifts in the regulatory landscape could have significant consequences for this sector.

Next Steps for Legislative Action

As the subcommittee continues its work, Del. Austin anticipates that it will recommend specific legislation for the General Assembly to consider in January. The proposed Virginia Gaming Commission could mark a major shift in how the state manages and regulates its diverse and rapidly growing gambling industry.

The creation of a centralized regulatory body could provide the oversight necessary to ensure that the benefits of gambling are maximized while minimizing the risks and harms associated with it. For lawmakers like Austin, the key will be finding a balance that protects consumers, supports industries that rely on gambling revenue, and ensures that the state maintains control over this increasingly complex sector.

Source:

“State lawmakers consider new Gaming Commission”, wdbj7.com, August 21, 2023.

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