Study Recommends One Agency For Virginia Gaming

Written By Russ Mitchell on October 18, 2022Last Updated on February 14, 2025
Virginia gaming study

Virginia gaming rules and regulations are under the jurisdiction of one of three state agencies, depending on the bets you place.

  • The live horse racing events, as well as electronic historical horse racing (HHR) games, are under the purview of the Virginia Racing Commission.
  • is regulated by the state.
  • In addition to retail and online lottery games, the Virginia Lottery also oversees sports betting and casino gaming.

The possibility of change arises if the Virginia General Assembly adopts the recommendations stated in a report published on Monday.

The assembly responsible for conducting audits and evaluations in Virginia compiled the information. Furthermore, they recently recommended that legislators establish a unified authority to supervise all the aforementioned bets in Virginia.

Furthermore, they discovered a handful of areas where the implementation of centralized gaming management could be beneficial.

One state agency for VA bets

According to the study, there is an insufficient number of staff in the racing commission to effectively monitor both horse races and HHRs. It is recommended that the VA Lottery staff could potentially incorporate this responsibility.

If you’re new to betting in Virginia, you may not come across HHRs frequently in other states.

The Historical Horse Racing machines offer a unique opportunity for players to bet on past races, creating a captivating blend of horse racing and the exhilaration of a slot machine.

The commission believes that the establishment of a new agency called “Virginia Lottery and Gaming” could potentially help with staffing requirements. Furthermore, the study indicates that the state lacks sufficient personnel to effectively manage the HHR games.

Lawmakers are urged to carefully consider enhanced monitoring of HHR operators, suppliers, and employees, as outlined in a distinct recommendation.

Virginia gaming is changing

The study suggests the establishment of a gaming policy office within the proposed VA Lottery and Gaming agency. This new department would be responsible for monitoring:

  • new developments
  • trends
  • technologies, and
  • Different categories of gaming, including uncontrolled variations of gaming.

This could also encompass online Virginia casino games. Online lottery and online casino have proven to be successful parallel choices in other states.

When new betting options arise, a policy office could provide research and assistance.

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Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell has been reporting on news and sports in Iowa for over two decades, with a notable 11-year stint as managing editor for a highly acclaimed community newspaper in the state. In 2021, he joined PlayIA as a lead writer and managing editor, bringing his expertise to the team. He is excitedly looking forward to delving into the thriving gaming industry in Virginia.

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