Virginia Lawmakers Split on Legalizing Online Gambling

Charlottesville delegation divided as bills pass House and Senate

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Charlottesville area's General Assembly delegation was split on separate bills passed by the Virginia House and Senate that will legalize and tax internet casino gambling in the state. The House and Senate versions have similarities in regulation and taxation, but differ in how the revenue is allocated.

Why it matters

The legalization of online gambling in Virginia is a contentious issue, with concerns raised about the potential impact on young people and problem gambling. The split among the Charlottesville delegation reflects the broader debate happening in the state legislature.

The details

The state Senate passed SB118 19-to-17 after the measure initially failed 20-to-19. In the House, HB161 passed 67-to-30 after initially failing 49-to-46. The House and Senate versions both put the Virginia Lottery in charge of regulation and apply a 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue, plus a 6% 'economic development fee'. However, the bills differ in how the revenue is allocated, with the House dedicating 89% to the general fund and the Senate putting 95% toward education.

  • The Senate passed SB118 on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The House passed HB161 on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Amy Laufer

A Democratic delegate from Albemarle County who initially voted against the online gambling measure but later changed her stance to support it.

Katrina Callsen

A Democratic delegate from Charlottesville who voted against the online gambling measure both times.

Creigh Deeds

A Democratic state senator from Charlottesville who voted in favor of the online gambling bill both times.

Mamie Locke

A Democratic state senator from Hampton who was the chief patron of the online gambling legislation in the Senate.

Tom Garrett

A Republican delegate from Buckingham County who strongly opposed the online gambling legislation, comparing it to Frankenstein's monster.

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What they’re saying

“Senate Bill 118 will legalized I-gaming in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and dramatically curtail Virginia's thriving illegal I-gaming market and generate upwards of $14-billion in new taxable revenue over the first five years, and tens-of-billions of dollars every five years into perpetuity.”

— Mamie Locke, State Senator (cvillerightnow.com)

“What does it do? Mark Stewart of Live Casino website said, 'Please don't put a casino on every single phone in every single pocket, in every single part, and indeed in every single middle school.'”

— Tom Garrett, State Delegate (cvillerightnow.com)

“We are being asked to take the single most addictive device, the smartphone, a device that has already rewired the brains of our children, that has already driven anxiety, depression, and suicide rates in young people to historic levels, and now we're being asked to put a slot machine on it.”

— William Stanley, State Senator (cvillerightnow.com)

What’s next

The House and Senate versions of the online gambling legislation will now go to a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the two bills.

The takeaway

The split among the Charlottesville delegation on the online gambling issue reflects the broader debate happening in Virginia over the potential benefits and risks of legalizing this industry. As the legislation moves forward, concerns about the impact on young people and problem gambling will likely continue to be a major focus of the discussion.