Governor of Virginia Enacts Legislation Establishing Committee for Problem Gambling Treatment

Governor Glenn Youngkin has taken a proactive step in preventing gambling addiction by signing SB, which establishes the Virginia Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee. This new committee will be dedicated to addressing the issue of problem gambling in the state and developing strategies and programs to provide treatment and support to those who are affected by this addiction.

Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia has taken a proactive stance on addressing gambling addiction by signing Senate Bill 836, which will establish the Virginia Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee. Effective from July 1, this bill, introduced by Republican state senator Bryce Reeves and Democratic State representative Paul Krizek in December, aims to prevent gambling addiction and provide valuable resources and support to individuals who are struggling with gambling-related issues. This collaborative effort between representatives from both political parties underscores the importance of addressing problem gambling in the state of Virginia.

In March, Virginia’s gaming revenue reaches an impressive $37 million

The Virginia Lottery has released its monthly report on casino gaming activity for March 2023, focusing on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Temporary Bristol and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The total gaming revenue for both casinos amounted to $37.4 million, showing a slight decrease of 2% compared to February’s $38.4 million. Out of the total revenue, slots accounted for $27.8 million, while table games brought in $9.5 million. As per Virginia law, a graduated tax on a casino’s adjusted gaming revenue is assessed, with $6.7 million paid in taxes to the Gaming Proceeds Fund for March.

Hard Rock International’s temporary location for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which opened last year, boasts a 30,000-square-foot casino with nearly 900 gaming slots and 20 tables, offering a variety of gaming options. The casino features a main floor, as well as non-smoking and high-limit gaming areas.

Notably, two months ago, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted against a bill that would have allowed Petersburg voters to decide on the approval of a $1.4 billion casino resort planned by The Cordish Companies. While House Bill 1373 had survived a vote by the Senate General Laws Committee the previous day, Senate Bill 780, an identical bill from state senator Joe Morrissey, failed to advance out of the same committee.