(AP) — Unregulated betting machines in gas stations and bars have been granted a possible 11th hour reprieve in Virginia thanks to the coronavirus. And casino legalization in the Old. Virginia Gambling & Online Casino Laws Old Dominion is perhaps best known for having spawned more US presidents than any other state, and despite somewhat prohibitive rules on gambling it has provided the world with one of the most famous young players in the world.

Introduction to Virginia Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020

Virginia slot machine casino gambling does not exist … yet. Last year, the state legislature and Governor approved three new casinos, but each awaits approval by voters in their local municipalities.

Gambling Machines In Virginia

This post continues my weekly State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambler to success. Now in its third year, each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or federal district.

Keep Reading … Or Watch Instead!

Or … Listen Instead!

Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Virginia*

The minimum legal gambling age in Virginia depends upon the gambling activity:

Land-Based Casinos: 21 (expected)
Poker Rooms: Not available
Bingo: 18
Lottery: 18
Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18

On March 22, 2019, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed State Bill 1126 into law. This state law does not authorize casinos in Virginia. However, in effect, it establishes

A Commission to study casino gaming regulations
A framework for the Lottery Board to oversee gaming
How eligible cities conduct a local casino approval referendum

Details of the state bill suggest eligible cities are Danville, Bristol, and Portsmouth. Regarding timing, the city of Bristol has scheduled their referendum for November 2020.

*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws might apply to various forms of gaming. It is not legal advice.

Slot Machine Private Ownership in Virginia

It is legal to own a slot machine privately in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Gaming Control Board in Virginia

The framework included in the 2019 passing of Virginia State Bill 1126 includes giving oversight of sports betting regulations to the Virginia Racing Commission. This expansion of its responsibilities is in addition to its current responsibilities overseeing horserace pari-mutuel wagering. Dover downs poker room closed today.

The Virginia Lottery Board will obtain responsibility for casino gambling, but specific gaming regulations are not yet available. Establishing these gaming regulations is currently underway by Virginia’s Joint Legislative and Review Commission.

Casinos in Virginia

There are currently no casinos with slot machines in Virginia.

Commercial Casinos in Virginia

There are currently no commercial casinos in Virginia. However, three eligible cities may have casinos after approval by voters. The Bristol referendum occurs first in November 2020.

These three potential casino locations include the cities of:

Danville located 144 miles southwest of Richmond near North Carolina
Bristol located 113 miles northeast of Knoxville near Tennessee
Portsmouth located 97 miles southeast of Richmond near Chesapeake

Tribal Casinos in Virginia

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe gained federal recognition in 2015 and is pursuing establishing a tribal casino. They intend to have improved educational and employment opportunities to ensure the long-term success of the tribe.

At this time, the tribe is searching for a suitable site for a casino resort located within Virginia. Potential sites for a tribal casino now include Richmond and Norfolk.

Continual and effective opposition of tribal casinos in Virginia comes from the casino operator of MGM National Harbor in nearby Maryland.

Other Gambling Establishments

As an alternative to enjoying Virginia slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering Virginia is:

North: Maryland Slots and District of Columbia Slots
East: The Atlantic Ocean
South: North Carolina Slots and Tennessee Slots
West: Kentucky Slots and West Virginia Slots

Each of the links above will take you to my blog for that neighboring U.S. state to Virginia.

Colonial Downs Racetrack offers slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) electronic gaming machines. This horseracing facility is in the eastern part of Virginia located 30 miles east of Richmond.

Our Virginia Slots Facebook Group

Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in Virginia? If so, join our Virginia slots community on Facebook. All you’ll need is a Facebook profile to join this closed Facebook Group freely.

There, you’ll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in Virginia. Join us!

Payout Returns in Virginia

As Virginia casinos await voter approvals, the state legislature is working to establish slot machine gaming regulations. Therefore, it is not yet known if Virginia will offer theoretical payout limits or return statistics.

Summary of Virginia Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2020

Virginia slot machine casino gambling does exist but is now on the horizon. Commercial casinos are awaiting approval by voters in Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth.

Annual Progress in Virginia Slot Machine Casino Gambling

In the last year, there has been no change to the slots gaming industry in Virginia. However, potential changes are imminent.