Virginia Lottery Board approves new casino regulations
| By Nosa Omoigui
Virginia’s Lottery Board has has given its initial approval to new regulations that will govern the new land-based casinos set to be built in the state.
The rules will apply to the five new casinos that are set to operate in Virginia, something that was made possible by the ratification of Senate Bill 1126 by Governor Ralph Northam in March 2019, allowing land-based casino gaming in the state for the first time. The bill also allowed for online sports betting.
Under the new proposals, only operators preferred by the Lottery Board will be able to apply for a facility operator’s license. These licences will go to Rivers Casino Portsmouth, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Hard Rock Casinos and Caesars Entertainment.
A further licence is set to go to One Casino and Resort, if the people of Richmond approve the operator in a referendum.