Virginia could legalise sports betting in January

Viginia could become the latest US state to legalise sports betting in January. Marcus Simon, a delegate for Virginia’s 53rd District, said he would introduce a new sports betting bill in the state legislative session in January.

“We already see a lot of our residents’ dollars go across the river to MGM. We lose out on a lot of opportunities to capture some of that revenue,” Simon said.

“I think there is an appetite for this. I think there is certainly a revenue opportunity in Virginia.”

Although there are no casinos in Virginia, Simon is hopeful of identifying alternative solutions.

“I think you can probably find a way to combine sportsbooks with the existing horse racing and off-track betting that exists, and there is probably a way to facilitate online sports gaming as well,” said Simon, who added that his bill would legalise sports betting from next July.

However, it remains unclear whether sports wagering in Virginia could be introduced without significant political opposition.

Although Simon reportedly has the support of council members and Mayor Muriel Bowser, Governor Ralph Northam has not yet revealed his hand on the issue.

“Governor Northam believes any future proposal to expand sports gaming here in Virginia should be considered with the input of the General Assembly and the communities that will be impacted,” said the Governor’s spokesperson, Ofirah Yheskel.

Source: iGamingBusiness