The Virginia Lottery has launched a new microsite this week which aims to provide key information and greater public transparency in support of developing appropriate and responsible regulations for expanded gaming.
The site, www.valottery.com/casinosandsportsbetting, includes information on the rulemaking process and provides estimated timelines for when expanded gaming will become available for Virginia consumers.
Also featured is information regarding the required materials for casino gaming to be submitted by eligible host cities and their designated gaming partners for the Virginia Lottery’s preliminary review as is laid out in the casino legislation.
The legislation also requires the Lottery to conduct a preliminary review of each city’s casino development plans as well as a preliminary assessment of the financial viability of the casino gaming partner each city chosen. Reviews are required to take place prior to the city placing its proposal before voters in a local referendum during the November 3, 2020 general election.
According to a release published by the Virginia Lottery, the operator has already notified the five eligible cities’ mayors and city managers that the agency will be prepared to accept and begin reviewing their preliminary certification materials on June 1.
Additionally, the casino legislation also requires a more comprehensive review of casino projects to take place which will include criminal history and financial performance investigations of the gaming operators. This extensive check is set to take place during the application process which is not scheduled to begin until after draft regulations are completed in April 2021.
Regarding the lottery’s microsite, information can also be obtained regarding regulations on governing online sports betting.
The sports betting legislation requires the Lottery to award between four and 12 licenses for mobile sports wagering in Virginia and directs the Lottery Board to adopt initial sports betting regulations no later than September 15.
This period includes 30 days of public comment on the proposed rules, with the agency being provided 90 days following the adoption of such regulations to review completed applications from potential operators.
Tools for citizens willing to participate in the rulemaking process, answers to frequently asked questions and links to specific forms required to be submitted by casino stakeholders can also be found on the lottery’s microsite, which also has links to both casino and sports betting legislation.
The site is set to receive regular updates as the lottery continues to progress towards the implementation of new gaming initiatives. These updates will include more information on licensing, audit and compliance requirements for operators, equipment manufacturers and distributors, suppliers and employees as it develops.
