Virginia: lawmakers push forward with gambling Bills

Two Bills have been passed that would allow land-based and online casino and sports betting for the very first time.

US.- Virginia lawmakers have approved two Bills that will allow the expansion of gambling in the state by legalising casinos and sports betting at land-based outlets and online for the very first time.

The Bill will now head to Governor Ralph Northam to be signed into law. Assuming he does this, referendums still have to take place in Bristol, Danville, Richmond, Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The Bills exclude Virginia colleges and universities from the new sports betting market following a last-minute battle among lawmakers as to whether allow wagers on college games or not.

Virginia is currently one of only a handful of states that forbid any type of casinos, and historically its legislature has always opposed change.