Virginia Mulls Legalization of In-State College Sports Betting

Virginia in-state college sports betting: A New Frontier

The landscape of sports betting in Virginia has seen considerable evolution since its inception. Despite a robust start, lawmakers have not shied away from revising the rules that govern this lucrative market. Recently, the spotlight turned to the potential inclusion of Virginia in-state college sports betting, sparking a mix of anticipation and debate among stakeholders.

As of 2026, betting on Virginia in-state college sports teams remains prohibited under current law, overseen by the Virginia Lottery, with exceptions only for multi-team tournaments not involving direct participation by Virginia teams.

The Legislative Journey

At the heart of this discussion are three pivotal bills that have made their way through Virginia’s legislative corridors, aiming to redefine the parameters of sports betting and gambling within the state. The most notable among these, Senate Bill 576, champions the cause for legalizing bets on collegiate events within Virginia—a move that could revolutionize sports gambling in the Commonwealth.

In 2024, legislators introduced Senate Bill 142 to legalize betting on in-state college teams, which advanced through the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee’s gaming subcommittee, though prior attempts like SB 576 in 2022 failed in the House.

Marketing and Promotional Boundaries

Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment took a stand against using the state’s beloved slogan, “Virginia is for lovers,” for gambling promotion through Senate Bill 96. This bill, which sailed through the committee with unanimous approval, seeks to preserve the integrity of the state’s motto by prohibiting its adaptation for gambling-related marketing. The phrase “Virginia is for bettors” will not grace sports betting or any gambling advertisements, ensuring the slogan remains synonymous with state pride rather than gaming enticements.

Unlocking the Door to In-State College Betting

Virginia’s sports betting market, launched in January 2021, now features 12 online sportsbooks and generates substantial revenue under a 15% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue, with promotional deductions lowering the effective rate to about 2.2%.

The push for legitimizing in-state collegiate sports betting has found a champion in State Sen. T. Montgomery Mason. Senate Bill 576, sponsored by Mason, is not just about enhancing state revenues but also about bringing transparency and legality to betting on college sports. Mason’s initiative reflects a desire to bring “behind closed doors” wagering into the light, ensuring it is conducted within legal confines.

The Virginia Lottery explicitly prohibits wagers on Virginia college sports in single games or matches, as well as college proposition bets and youth sports betting.

Virginia, home to 14 Division I colleges and universities, boasts a vibrant collegiate sports scene. High-stakes games, such as the football rivalry between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech and the Capital City Classic basketball game, underscore the potential market for legal sports betting. Mason’s legislation, however, faces an uncertain path, mirroring the fate of its companion House Bill 1127, which stumbled earlier in the legislative process.

A New Casino on the Horizon

Senate Bill 203, spearheaded by State Sen. Joe Morrissey, aims to redirect the opportunity for a casino referendum to Petersburg, following Richmond’s narrow rejection of a similar proposal. This bill, which passed without opposition, paves the way for Petersburg to potentially host the fifth casino in Virginia, subject to voter approval. The move signifies a broader effort to expand Virginia’s gaming landscape beyond sports betting to include traditional casino gambling.

Implications and Future Outlook

The introduction of Virginia in-state college sports betting presents a complex tapestry of economic, ethical, and regulatory considerations. Proponents argue that legalizing bets on local collegiate events could generate significant revenue and curb illegal betting activities. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on college athletes and the integrity of collegiate sports.

As these legislative efforts continue to unfold, Virginia finds itself at a critical juncture. The possibility of betting on in-state college sports events could mark a significant shift in the Commonwealth’s gambling landscape, aligning Virginia with a growing number of states embracing comprehensive sports betting markets. The eventual outcomes of these legislative initiatives will undoubtedly shape the future of sports betting in Virginia, offering a case study in balancing economic opportunities with the preservation of sports integrity.

With these developments, Virginia remains a state to watch in the evolving narrative of American sports betting, as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of incorporating in-state college sports into its gambling repertoire.