Virginia Lawmakers Consider Creating Unified State Gaming Commission

Virginia has seen a significant expansion in its gambling industry, with new forms of wagering becoming available to residents. However, this growth has highlighted the fragmented nature of gambling oversight in the state, leading lawmakers to explore the possibility of creating a unified state agency to regulate the industry.

For over three decades, Virginians have been familiar with the state lottery and pari-mutuel betting. But in the last five years, the range of gambling options has expanded rapidly, including the introduction of casinos, sports betting, and other forms of gaming. Despite this expansion, regulation remains divided among various state agencies, a situation that some lawmakers believe needs to change.

Del. Terry Austin (R-Botetourt Co.), a member of a t subcommittee studying the feasibility of establishing a Virginia Gaming Commission, voiced concerns about the current oversight structure during a recent meeting in Richmond. “I think oftentimes maybe we get complacent, and things grow and we don’t acknowledge the growth. We don’t acknowledge the value that they can bring and sort of we lose control,” Austin remarked. He emphasized the need for the state to take a more proactive approach to regulation, saying, “So now, we’re reeling all of this back in.”

Fragmented Oversight and the Push for Consolidation

Currently, different aspects of the gambling industry in Virginia are regulated by various state agencies. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) oversees certain gaming activities, while the Virginia State Police are involved in the investigation and regulation of others. Meanwhile, casinos operate under their own set of regulations, with specific policies governing how their gaming machines report back to the state for ing purposes.

Given this fragmented oversight, the t subcommittee is considering a proposal to create a new state agency—the Virginia Gaming Commission—to streamline the regulation of gambling. During the Richmond meeting, a consultant recommended maintaining the Virginia Lottery as a separate entity, while the proposed commission would take on the responsibility of regulating other forms of gambling.

Although Del. Austin did not explicitly endorse this approach, he acknowledged the necessity of consolidating oversight under a single regulatory body. He pointed out that the current system, where different agencies handle various aspects of gambling, may not be sufficient to manage the industry’s growth and the challenges it presents. “VDACS regulates some of it. State Police now investigate and regulate some of it. Casinos have their regulations, their policies, how those machines report back to the Commonwealth, so we’ve got a good ing of what’s taking place,” Austin explained.

Addressing Problem Gambling and ing Non-Profits

One of the key issues driving the discussion about a unified gaming commission is the need to address problem gambling. As the availability of gambling options has increased, so too has the potential for gambling addiction. Austin highlighted the importance of having a regulatory body that can enforce measures to combat problem gambling and provide for individuals who seek help. “Problem gambling has become an issue, the ability to enforce problem gambling and help people who’ve asked for help and put themselves on a problem gambling list. We need to be able to all of that,” he said.

Another area of concern for Austin is how the proposed changes might impact Virginia’s equine industry and non-profits that rely on revenue from charitable gaming. These organizations have traditionally benefited from the state’s existing gaming regulations, and any changes to the regulatory structure could have significant implications for their operations.

As the subcommittee continues its work, it is expected to make recommendations for legislation that the General Assembly could consider in its next session, scheduled for January. The goal is to create a regulatory framework that can effectively manage the expanded gambling landscape in Virginia, ensuring that it operates in a manner that benefits the state while protecting the interests of vulnerable individuals and organizations.

The creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission represents a potential turning point in how the state handles the growing gambling industry. By consolidating oversight under a single agency, lawmakers hope to create a more efficient and effective regulatory environment that can keep pace with the industry’s rapid evolution.

Source:

”State lawmakers consider new gaming commission”, wdbj7.com, August 22, 2024.