Virginia Moves to Reconcile Competing iGaming Bills Under an Updated Legislative Timeline

Virginia lawmakers has recently formed a conference committee to reconcile its two bills, House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118. As previously reported, Virginia introduced two bills to jumpstart the 2026 legislative session- HB161 sponsored by Del. Marcus Simon and SB118 filed by Sen. Mamie Locke, that would potentially ban sweepstakes casino games and regulate online casinos.

While these bills initially appear to share the same “regulatory language”, they still boast subtle differences that require reconciliation. Now, a six-member committee has been formed to come up with a compromised version.

Committee members now face a tough deadline-they must come up with a decision before the legislative session ends on March 14th. If they fail, the discussions can spill over into the 2027 legislative session.

Quick Look at Committee the Legislative Timelines for HB161 and SB118

Both bills passed in their respective chambers on second votes by mid-February, before advancing for reconciliation. By early March, a conference committee was formed to reconcile HB161 and SB118, focusing on online casino regulation and sweepstakes casino ban ahead of the March 14th deadline.

The committee boasts three representatives from each chamber, and appointed after both stopped the substitute bills:

• From the House: Del. Marcus B. Simon (D-13, HB161 sponsor), Del. Paul E. Krijek (D-6), Del. Terry L. Austin (R-37)

• Senate: Sen. Mamie E. Locke (D-23, SB118 sponsor), Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-29), Sen. Todd Pillion (R-40)

What’s Expected from the Newly-Formed Commitee?

The six-member panel is expected to hear and negotiate compromises on crucial differences, including timelines and revenue splits, producing a unified bill for full chamber votation. For HB161, 89% of the share of revenues will go to the Virginia's General Fund (95% after 2037), while for SB118, the proponent identified 95% for the Modern Public Education Fund.

In addition, the two bills also differ on their contributions to the Problem Gambling Fund: HB161 sets aside 5%, while SB118 calls for 2% share.

Failure to agree and come up with a reconciled bill halts the legislative agenda this session. If it happens, legislators can still pick these up for next year’s legislative discussions.

REFERENCES

• SB118
• HB161