Virginia could be on the verge of legalizing regulated online poker for the first time, thanks to House Bill 161, pre-filed ahead of the 2026 legislative session and sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon.
“We’re not creating a new category here with iGaming. My goal is to bring it under a regulated umbrella where we can have some oversight of it and supervision,” Simon said during hearings last year.
What HB 161 Proposes
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Not just poker: The bill covers a broad range of online casino games, including slots, table games, and live-dealer products.
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Licensing framework: Mirrors Virginia’s existing casino system. Each of the state’s five licensed brick-and-mortar casinos could apply for an online license, operating up to three online platforms each.
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Regulatory oversight: Managed by the Virginia Lottery Board, which already supervises sports betting and land-based casinos.
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Multi-State potential: The bill allows Virginia to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This would combine Virginia’s 8.8 million players with other MSIGA states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey, boosting player pools, tournament guarantees, and game selection.
Challenges and Concerns
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Revenue worries: Critics argue online gaming could siphon revenue from physical casinos.
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Regulatory capacity: Some question whether the Virginia Lottery Board has the bandwidth to oversee an entirely new online industry.
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Gaming commission debate: Lawmakers are discussing whether to first create a dedicated Virginia Gaming Commission to consolidate oversight across multiple agencies before expanding online.
Outlook for Virginia Poker
HB 161 signals a shift from theoretical discussions to actionable legislation. If passed, Virginia could become a major online poker market, especially with MSIGA participation.
For now, no platforms are live, and nothing is officially legal. But with a bill on the table, online poker in Virginia is moving closer to reality—and it’s a story to watch in 2026.
