Virginia has introduced a new bill that aims to legalize online gambling in the state, including online poker. House Bill 161 was introduced by Representative Marcus Simon and proposes that the Virginia Lottery Board take over the regulation of internet gambling. If the proposal passes, operators will have to prepare for high licensing and platform fees. In addition, a 15 percent tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue is to be introduced. With this measure, the state wants to ensure that the growing iGaming market contributes to public finances.

Gambling legalization is on the rise in the US. According to data from CBS Sports, online casinos with real money bets were legalized in seven states in 2025. This suggests that online gambling will continue to grow as states’ needs for tax revenue increase. The consumer side is driving the legalization process: The number of gamblers is growing, and among them, interest in bitcoin gambling is emerging, according to expert Manisha Mishra. Crypto and, above all, Bitcoin casino instant withdrawals are one of the main reasons for the popularity of such online establishments, alongside no KYC gambling options and better privacy policies.

These market movements are also driving West Virginia to consider decisions regarding the legalization of online gambling. These are intended to generate lucrative tax revenues: The bill proposes that operators must, in the future, acquire an “Internet Gaming Operator License,” which is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. In addition, according to PokerScout, operators are required to pay an initial fee of $500,000 and additional platform fees of $2 million for each platform offered. These high entry costs are intended to prevent unreliable or unlicensed providers from entering the market and generate a lucrative revenue. The better a market is regulated, the more consumer protection can be offered.

Data from SportsLine shows that similar strategies in states where online gambling has already been legalized have helped to increase revenue from this sector, which in turn can be used for public benefit. Michigan already achieved record revenues of $451.4 million in 2024. Of this, 20% went to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which supports economic development by awarding grants and loans to stimulate job creation and encourage business growth in the state.

Following its innovative pioneers, online poker plays a special role in Virginia’s legislation draft: the text of the bill explicitly mentions poker alongside other casino games such as slots and blackjack. According to the draft, an internet gambling provider may operate up to three online platforms, either directly or indirectly through a licensed provider. A separate brand is planned for each platform, with a second brand also permitted for poker. Operators may also use fewer than three platforms or offer poker and other games under a single brand.

Back in June 2025, approval was given to offer multi-state internet poker play in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. This Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) helped to increase the player base and boost the appeal of poker platforms without Virginia having to set up its own network first. If House Bill 161 were to be passed, Virginia could become one of the few states to allow both online casino games and online poker within a comprehensively regulated framework. These developments have the potential to secure not only tax revenues but also improve the state’s economic situation.