Virginia Law

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Adjusted gross receipts" means the gross receipts from casino gaming less winnings paid to winners.

"Board" means the Virginia Lottery Board established in the Virginia Lottery Law (§ 58.1-4000 et seq.).

"Casino gaming" or "game" means baccarat, blackjack, twenty-one, poker, craps, dice, slot machines, roulette wheels, Klondike tables, Mah Jongg, electronic table games, hybrid table games, punchboards, faro layouts, numbers tickets, push cards, jar tickets, or pull tabs, or any variation of the aforementioned games, and any other activity that is authorized by the Board as a wagering game or device under this chapter. "Casino gaming" or "game" includes on-premises mobile casino gaming.

"Casino gaming establishment" means the premises, including the entire property located at the address of the licensed casino, upon which lawful casino gaming is authorized and licensed as provided in this chapter. "Casino gaming establishment" does not include a riverboat or similar vessel.

"Casino gaming operator" means any person issued a license by the Board to operate a casino gaming establishment.

"Cheat" means to alter the selection criteria that determine the result of a game or the amount or frequency of payment in a game for the purpose of obtaining an advantage for one or more participants in a game over other participants in a game.

"Counter check" means an interest-free negotiable instrument for a specified amount executed by a player and held by the casino that serves as evidence of the casino gaming patron's obligation to pay the casino and that can be exchanged by the casino gaming patron for the specified amount in chips, tokens, credits, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards.

"Department" means the independent agency responsible for the administration of the Virginia Lottery created in the Virginia Lottery Law (§ 58.1-4000 et seq.).

"Director" means the Director of the Virginia Lottery.

"Eligible host city" means any city described in § 58.1-4107 in which a casino gaming establishment is authorized to be located.

"Entity" means a person that is not a natural person.

"Gaming operation" means the conduct of authorized casino gaming within a casino gaming establishment.

"Gross receipts" means the total amount of money exchanged for the purchase of chips, tokens, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards by casino gaming patrons. "Gross receipts" shall not include the cash value of promotions or credits provided to and exchanged by casino gaming patrons for chips, tokens, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards. "Gross receipts" shall also not include uncollectable counter checks.

"Immediate family" means (i) a spouse and (ii) any other person residing in the same household as an officer or employee and who is a dependent of the officer or employee or of whom the officer or employee is a dependent.

"Individual" means a natural person.

"Licensee" or "license holder" means any person holding an operator's license under § 58.1-4111.

"On-premises mobile casino gaming" means casino gaming offered by a casino gaming operator at a casino gaming establishment using a computer network of both federal and nonfederal interoperable packet-switched data networks through which the casino gaming operator may offer casino gaming to individuals who have established an on-premises mobile casino gaming account with the casino gaming operator and who are physically present on the premises of the casino gaming establishment, as authorized by regulations promulgated by the Board.

"Permit holder" means any person holding a supplier or service permit pursuant to this chapter.

"Person" means an individual, partnership, joint venture, association, limited liability company, stock corporation, or nonstock corporation and includes any person that directly or indirectly controls or is under common control with another person.

"Preferred casino gaming operator" means the proposed casino gaming establishment and operator thereof submitted by an eligible host city to the Board as an applicant for licensure.

"Prepaid access instrument" means a system device that allows a casino gaming patron access to funds that have been paid in advance and can be retrieved or transferred at some point in the future through such a device. In order to transfer funds for gaming purposes, a prepaid access instrument shall be redeemed for tokens, chips, credits, electronic credits, electronic cash, electronic cards, or used in conjunction with an approved cashless wagering system or interactive gaming account.

"Principal" means any individual who solely or together with his immediate family members (i) owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the pecuniary interest in any entity that is a licensee or (ii) has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of the voting securities or other ownership interests of such entity, and any person who manages a gaming operation on behalf of a licensee.

"Professional sports" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-4030.

"Security" has the same meaning as provided in § 13.1-501. If the Board finds that any obligation, stock, or other equity interest creates control of or voice in the management operations of an entity in the manner of a security, then such interest shall be considered a security.

"Sports betting" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-4030.

"Sports betting facility" means an area, kiosk, or device located inside a casino gaming establishment licensed pursuant to this chapter that is designated for sports betting.

"Supplier" means any person that sells or leases, or contracts to sell or lease, any casino gaming equipment, devices, or supplies, or provides any management services, to a licensee.

"Voluntary exclusion program" means a program established by the Board pursuant to § 58.1-4103 that allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from engaging in the activities described in subdivision B 1 of § 58.1-4103 by placing their names on a voluntary exclusion list and following the procedures set forth by the Board.

"Youth sports" means the same as such term is defined in § 58.1-4030.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 7, 351, 352; 2022, cc. 589, 590.

A. Casino gaming shall be licensed and permitted as herein provided to benefit the people of the Commonwealth. The Board is vested with control of all casino gaming in the Commonwealth, with authority to prescribe regulations and conditions under this chapter. The purposes of this chapter are to assist economic development, promote tourism, and provide for the implementation of casino gaming operations of the highest quality, honesty, and integrity and free of any corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practices.

B. The conduct of casino gaming shall be limited to the qualified locations established in § 58.1-4107. The Board shall be limited to the issuance of a single operator's license for each such qualified location.

C. The conduct of any casino gaming and entrance to such establishment is a privilege that may be granted or denied by the Board or its duly authorized representatives in its discretion in order to effectuate the purposes set forth in this chapter. Any proposed site for a casino gaming establishment shall be privately owned property subject to the local land use and property taxation authority of the eligible host city in which the casino gaming establishment is located.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Issue permits and licenses under this chapter and supervise all gaming operations licensed under the provisions of this chapter, including all persons conducting or participating in any gaming operation. The Board shall employ such persons to be present during gaming operations as are necessary to ensure that such gaming operations are conducted with order and the highest degree of integrity.

2. Adopt regulations regarding the conditions under which casino gaming shall be conducted in the Commonwealth and all such other regulations it deems necessary and appropriate to further the purposes of this chapter.

3. Issue an operator's license only to a person who meets the criteria of § 58.1-4107.

4. Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses before the Board, administer oaths, and compel production of records or other documents and testimony of such witnesses whenever in the judgment of the Board it is necessary to do so for the effectual discharge of its duties.

5. Order such audits as it deems necessary and desirable.

6. Provide for the withholding of the applicable amount of state and federal income tax of persons claiming a prize or payoff for winning a game and establish the thresholds for such withholdings.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. The Board shall adopt regulations to establish and implement a voluntary exclusion program.

B. The regulations shall include the following provisions:

1. Except as provided by regulation of the Board, a person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program agrees to refrain from (i) playing any account-based lottery game authorized under the provisions of this chapter or Chapter 40 (§ 58.1-4000 et seq.); (ii) participating in sports betting as such activity is regulated by the Board; (iii) engaging in any form of casino gaming authorized under the provisions of this chapter; (iv) participating in charitable gaming, as defined in § 18.2-340.16; (v) participating in fantasy contests, as defined in § 59.1-556; or (vi) wagering on horse racing, as defined in § 59.1-365. Any state agency, at the request of the Department, shall assist in administering the voluntary exclusion program pursuant to the provisions of this section.

2. A person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program may choose an exclusion period of two years, five years, or lifetime.

3. Except as provided by regulation of the Board, a person who participates in the voluntary exclusion program may not petition the Board for removal from the program for the duration of his exclusion period.

4. The name of a person participating in the program shall be included on a list of excluded persons. The list of persons entering the voluntary exclusion program and the personal information of the participants shall be confidential, with dissemination by the Department limited to lottery sales agents licensed under Chapter 40 (§ 58.1-4000 et seq.), owners and operators of casino gaming establishments, and any other parties the Department deems necessary for purposes of enforcement. The list and the personal information of participants in the voluntary exclusion program shall not be subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). In addition, the Board may disseminate the list to other parties upon request by the participant and agreement by the Board.

5. Lottery sales agents and owners and operators of casino gaming establishments shall make all reasonable attempts as determined by the Board to cease all direct marketing efforts to a person participating in the program. The voluntary exclusion program shall not preclude lottery sales agents and owners and operators of casino gaming establishments from seeking the payment of a debt incurred by a person before entering the program. In addition, the owner or operator of a casino gaming establishment may share the names of individuals who self-exclude across its corporate enterprise, including sharing such information with any of its affiliates.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

The Board, in conjunction with an accredited law-enforcement agency, shall conduct a background investigation, including a criminal history records check and fingerprinting, of the following individuals: (i) every individual applying for a license or permit pursuant to this chapter; (ii) every individual who is an officer, director, or principal of a licensee or applicant for a license and every employee of the licensee who conducts gaming operations; (iii) all security personnel of any licensee; and (iv) all permit holders and officers, directors, principals, and employees of permit holders whose duties relate to gaming operations in Virginia. Each such individual shall submit his fingerprints and personal descriptive information to the Central Criminal Records Exchange to be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal records search and to the Department of State Police for a Virginia criminal history records check. The results of the background check and national and state criminal records check shall be returned to the Board.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

Any person aggrieved by a refusal of the Department to issue any license or permit, the suspension or revocation of a license or permit, the imposition of a fine, or any other action of the Department may seek review of such action in accordance with Department regulations and Article 3 (§ 2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond. Further appeals shall also be in accordance with Article 5 (§ 2.2-4025 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

The Department may apply to the appropriate circuit court for an injunction against any person who has violated or may violate any provision of this chapter or any regulation or final decision of the Department. The order granting or refusing such injunction shall be subject to appeal as in other cases in equity.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. The conduct of casino gaming shall be limited to the following eligible host cities:

1. Any city (i) in which at least 40 percent of the assessed value of all real estate in such city is exempt from local property taxation, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2018, and (ii) that experienced a population decrease of at least seven percent from 1990 to 2016, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau;

2. Any city that had (i) an annual unemployment rate of at least five percent in 2018, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; (ii) an annual poverty rate of at least 20 percent in 2017, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau; and (iii) a population decrease of at least 20 percent from 1990 to 2016, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau;

3. Any city that (i) had an annual unemployment rate of at least 3.6 percent in 2018, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; (ii) had an annual poverty rate of at least 20 percent in 2017, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau; (iii) experienced a population decrease of at least four percent from 1990 to 2016, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau; and (iv) is located adjacent to a state that has adopted a Border Region Retail Tourism Development District Act;

4. Any city (i) with a population greater than 200,000 according to the 2018 population estimates from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia; (ii) in which at least 24 percent of the assessed value of all real estate in such city is exempt from local property taxation, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2018; and (iii) that experienced a population decrease of at least five percent from 1990 to 2016, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau; and

5. Any city (i) in which at least 17 percent of the assessed value of all real estate in such city is exempt from local property taxation, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2016; (ii) that had a poverty rate of at least 21 percent in 2019, according to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau; and (iii) that had an annual unemployment rate of at least 13 percent in 2020, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

B. In selecting a preferred casino gaming operator, an eligible host city shall have considered and given substantial weight to factors such as:

1. The potential benefit and prospective revenues of the proposed casino gaming establishment.

2. The total value of the proposed casino gaming establishment.

3. The proposed capital investment and the financial health of the proposer and any proposed development partners.

4. The experience of the proposer and any development partners in the operation of a casino gaming establishment.

5. Security plans for the proposed casino gaming establishment.

6. The economic development value of the proposed casino gaming establishment and the potential for community reinvestment and redevelopment in an area in need of such.

7. Availability of city-owned assets and privately owned assets, such as real property, including where there is only one location practicably available or land under a development agreement between a potential operator and the city, incorporated in the proposal.

8. The best financial interest of the city.

9. The proposer's status as a minority-owned business as defined in § 2.2-1604 or the proposer's commitment to solicit equity investment in the proposed casino gaming establishment from one or more minority-owned businesses and the proposer's commitment to solicit contracts with minority-owned businesses for the purchase of goods and services.

C. The Department shall, upon request of any eligible host city, provide a list of resources that may be of assistance in evaluating the technical merits of any proposal submitted pursuant to this section, provided that selection of the preferred casino gaming operator shall be at the city's sole discretion.

D. The eligible host city described in subdivision A 4 shall provide substantial and preferred consideration to a proposer who is a Virginia Indian tribe recognized in House Joint Resolution No. 54 (1983) and acknowledged by the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior as an Indian tribe within the meaning of federal law that has the authority to conduct gaming activities as a matter of claimed inherent authority or under the authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.).

E. An eligible host city shall promptly submit its preferred casino gaming operator to the Department for review prior to scheduling the referendum required by § 58.1-4123. An eligible host city shall include with the submission any written or electronic documentation considered as part of the criteria in subsection B, including any memorandums of understanding, incentives, development agreements, land purchase agreements, or local infrastructure agreements. The Department shall conduct a preliminary review of the financial status and ability of the preferred casino gaming operator to operate and properly support ongoing operations in an eligible host city, as well as current casino operations in other states and territories. The Department shall conduct such review within 45 days of receipt of the submission by the eligible host city. An eligible host city and preferred casino gaming operator shall fully cooperate with all necessary requests by the Department in that regard. Upon successful preliminary review, the Department shall certify approval for the eligible host city to proceed to the referendum required by § 58.1-4123. The Department shall develop guidelines establishing procedures and criteria for conducting the preliminary review required by this subsection. Certification by the Department to proceed to referendum shall in no way entitle the preferred casino gaming operator to approval of any application to operate a casino gaming establishment.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2024, cc. 318, 359, 798.

There is hereby established the Regional Improvement Commission (the Commission). The membership of the Commission shall consist of one member appointed by the local governing body of each jurisdiction composing the transportation district created pursuant to the Transportation District Act of 1964 (§ 33.2-1900 et seq.) that includes the eligible host city described in subdivision A 3 of § 58.1-4107. Each member shall be appointed to serve a two-year term. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision B 1 of § 58.1-4125, for a casino gaming establishment located in the eligible host city described in subdivision A 3 of § 58.1-4107, such transfer, otherwise returned to the city where it was collected, shall instead be made to the Commission. The purpose of the Commission shall be to (i) receive disbursements made to it; (ii) establish funding priorities for member localities related to improvements in the areas of education, transportation, and public safety; and (iii) make annual payments divided equally among the jurisdictions to fund the established priorities as determined by the Commission.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. No person shall operate a casino gaming establishment unless he has obtained an operator's license issued by the Department in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated hereunder.

B. To obtain an operator's license issued under the provisions of this chapter, the applicant shall (i) make a capital investment of at least $300 million in a casino gaming establishment, including the value of the real property upon which such establishment is located and all furnishings, fixtures, and other improvements, and (ii) possess an equity interest equal to at least 20 percent of the casino gaming establishment.

C. A license issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be transferable, provided that the Department has approved the proposed transfer and all licensure requirements are satisfied at the time the transfer takes effect.

D. A nonrefundable fee of $15 million shall be paid by the applicant to the Department upon the issuance of a license and upon any subsequent transfer of a license to operate a casino gaming establishment. Such fees shall be deposited by the Department into the Gaming Regulatory Fund established pursuant to § 58.1-4048.

E. No person issued a license pursuant to this chapter shall be precluded from obtaining a license for online sports betting pursuant to the Virginia Lottery Law (§ 58.1-4000 et seq.) or any subsequently created online sports betting license.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2023, cc. 586, 587.

A. If a majority of those voting in a referendum held pursuant to § 58.1-4123 vote in the affirmative, the eligible host city shall certify its preferred casino gaming operator and submit such certification to the Department within 30 days.

B. Any preferred casino gaming operator desiring to operate a casino gaming establishment shall file with the Department an application for an operator's license. Such application shall be filed at the place prescribed by the Department and shall be in such form and contain such information as prescribed by the Department, including but not limited to the following:

1. The name and address of such person; if a corporation, the state of its incorporation, the full name and address of each officer and director thereof, and, if a foreign corporation, whether it is qualified to do business in the Commonwealth; if a partnership or joint venture, the name and address of each general partner thereof; if a limited liability company, the name and address of each manager thereof; or, if another entity, the name and address of each person performing duties similar to those of officers, directors, and general partners;

2. The name and address of each principal and of each person who has contracted to become a principal of the applicant, including providing management services with respect to any part of gaming operations; the nature and cost of such principal's interest; and the name and address of each person who has agreed to lend money to the applicant;

3. Such information as the Department considers appropriate regarding the character, background, and responsibility of the applicant and the principals, officers, and directors of the applicant;

4. A description of the casino gaming establishment in which such gaming operations are to be conducted, the city where such casino gaming establishment will be located, and the applicant's capital investment plan for the site. The Board shall require such information about a casino gaming establishment and its location as it deems necessary and appropriate to determine whether it complies with the minimum standards provided in this chapter and whether gaming operations at such location will be in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter;

5. Such information relating to the financial responsibility of the applicant, including the applicant's financing plan for the casino gaming establishment, and the applicant's ability to perform under its license as the Department considers appropriate;

6. If any of the facilities necessary for the conduct of gaming operations are to be leased, the terms of such lease;

7. Evidence of compliance by the applicant with the economic development and land use plans and design review criteria of the local governing body of the city in which the casino gaming establishment is proposed to be located, including certification that the project complies with all applicable land use ordinances pursuant to Chapter 22 (§ 15.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 15.2;

8. Such information necessary to enable the Department to review the application based upon the best financial interests of the Commonwealth;

9. Such information necessary to enable the Department to authorize on-premises mobile casino gaming pursuant to Article 11 (§ 58.1-4131 et seq.);

10. Submission of the following: (i) a minority investment plan disclosing any equity interest owned by a minority individual or minority-owned business or the applicant's efforts to seek equity investment from minority individuals or minority-owned businesses and (ii) a plan for the participation of minority individuals or minority-owned businesses in the applicant's purchase of goods and services related to the casino gaming establishment. As used in the subdivision, "minority individual" and "minority-owned business" mean the same as those terms are defined in § 2.2-1604; and

11. Any other information that the Department in its discretion considers appropriate.

C. A nonrefundable application fee of $50,000 shall be paid for each principal at the time of filing to defray the costs associated with the background investigation conducted for the Department. If the reasonable costs of the investigation exceed the application fee, the applicant shall pay the additional amount to the Department. The Board may establish regulations calculating the reasonable costs to the Department in performing its functions under this chapter and allocating such costs to the applicants for licensure at the time of filing.

D. Any license application from an Indian tribe as described in subsection D of § 58.1-4107 shall certify that the material terms of the relevant development agreements between the Indian tribe and any development partner have been determined in the opinion of the Office of General Counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission after review not to deprive the Indian tribe of the sole proprietor interest in the gaming operations for purposes of federal Indian gaming law.

E. Any application filed hereunder shall be verified by the oath or affirmation of the applicant. Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on an application is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

F. The licensed operator shall be the person primarily responsible for the gaming operations under its license and compliance of such operations with the provisions of this chapter.

G. The Department may use or rely on any application, supporting documentation, or information submitted pursuant to § 58.1-4032, in reviewing and verifying an application submitted pursuant to this chapter.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 7.

A. If a preferred casino gaming operator, as certified by the applicable eligible host city, submits an application that meets the standards for licensure set forth in this article, the Board shall issue an operator's license to such preferred casino gaming operator. The Board shall not consider an application from any applicant that has not been certified as a preferred casino gaming operator by an eligible host city.

B. The Board may issue an operator's license to an applicant only if it finds that:

1. The applicant submits a plan for addressing responsible gaming issues, including the goals of the plan, procedures, and deadlines for implementation of the plan;

2. The applicant has established a policy requiring all license and permit holders who interact directly with the public in the casino gaming establishment to complete a training course acceptable to the Department in how to recognize and report suspected human trafficking;

3. The casino gaming establishment the applicant proposes to use on a permanent basis is or will be appropriate for gaming operations consistent with the purposes of this chapter;

4. The city where the casino gaming establishment will be located certifies that the proposed project complies with all applicable land use ordinances pursuant to Chapter 22 (§ 15.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 15.2;

5. Any required local infrastructure or site improvements, including necessary sewerage, water, drainage facilities, or traffic flow, are to be paid exclusively by the applicant without state or local financial assistance;

6. If the applicant is an entity, its securities are fully paid and, in the case of stock, nonassessable and have been subscribed and will be paid for only in cash or property to the exclusion of past services;

7. All principals meet the criteria of this subsection and have submitted to the jurisdiction of the Virginia courts, and all nonresident principals have designated the Director as their agent for receipt of process;

8. If the applicant is an entity, it has the right to purchase at fair market value the securities of, and require the resignation of, any person who is or becomes disqualified under subsection C;

9. The applicant meets any other criteria established by this chapter and the Board's regulations for the granting of an operator's license;

10. The applicant is qualified to do business in Virginia or is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth; and

11. The applicant has not previously been denied a license pursuant to subsection C.

C. The Board shall deny a license to an applicant if it finds that for any reason the issuance of a license to the applicant would reflect adversely on the honesty and integrity of the casino gaming industry in the Commonwealth or that the applicant, or any officer, principal, manager, or director of the applicant:

1. Is or has been guilty of any illegal act, conduct, or practice in connection with gaming operations in this or any other state or has been convicted of a felony;

2. Has had a license or permit to hold or conduct a gaming operation denied for cause, suspended, or revoked, in this or any other state or country, unless the license or permit was subsequently granted or reinstated;

3. Has at any time during the previous five years knowingly failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter or any Department regulation;

4. Has knowingly made a false statement of material fact to the Department or has deliberately failed to disclose any information requested by the Department;

5. Has defaulted in the payment of any obligation or debt due to the Commonwealth and has not cured such default; or

6. Has operated or caused to be operated a casino gaming establishment for which a license is required under this chapter without obtaining such license.

D. The Board shall make a determination regarding whether to issue the operator's license within 12 months of the receipt of a completed application.

E. The Board shall be limited to the issuance of one operator's license for each eligible host city.

F. If, at the time of application, the applicant has not satisfied the capital investment requirement of at least $300 million pursuant to subsection B of § 58.1-4108 but otherwise meets the standards for licensure set forth in this article, the Department shall issue the operator's license, which, prior to satisfying the capital investment requirement, may not be used to conduct gaming other than temporary casino gaming pursuant to subsection G.

G. The Department may authorize casino gaming to occur on a temporary basis for a period of one year under the following conditions:

1. The request to authorize casino gaming is made by a preferred casino gaming operator that has been issued a license consistent with this section.

2. The preferred casino gaming operator has submitted as a part of its application for licensure a construction schedule for a casino gaming establishment that has been approved by the eligible host city and the Department.

3. The temporary casino gaming is to be conducted at the same site referenced in the referendum held pursuant to § 58.1-4123.

4. The preferred casino gaming operator has secured suppliers and employees holding the appropriate permits required by this chapter and sufficient for the routine operation of the site where the temporary casino gaming is authorized.

5. A performance bond is posted in an amount acceptable to the Board.

H. No portion of any facility developed with the assistance of any grants or loans provided by a redevelopment and housing authority created pursuant to § 36-4 shall be used as a casino gaming establishment.

The Department may renew the authorization to conduct temporary casino gaming for an additional year if it determines that the preferred casino gaming operator has made a good faith effort to comply with the approved construction schedule.

I. An operator issued a license under this chapter shall not be precluded from operating a sports betting facility for individuals to participate in sports betting activities in a casino gaming establishment, which may include in-person sports betting where the bettor places a bet directly with an employee of the casino or the sports betting permit holder, or through a kiosk or device.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 7, 15.

A. A casino gaming operator license under this chapter shall be valid for a period of 10 years from its date of issuance but shall be reviewed no less frequently than annually to determine compliance with this chapter and Department regulations. Such annual review shall include a certification by the eligible host city of the status of the operator's compliance with local ordinances and regulations. If the certification states that the operator is not in compliance, the Department shall require the operator to submit a plan of compliance, corrective action, or request for variance.

B. The Board shall establish by regulation the criteria and procedures for license renewal and for amending licenses to conform to changes in a licensee's gaming operations. Such regulations shall require the operator to submit to the Board any updates or revisions to the capital investment plan provided with the initial license application pursuant to subdivision B 4 of § 58.1-4109. Renewal shall not be unreasonably refused.

C. The Department shall require a bond with surety acceptable to it, and in an amount determined by it, to be sufficient to cover any indebtedness incurred by the licensee to the Commonwealth.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. A licensed operator shall keep his books and records so as to clearly indicate the total amount of gross receipts and adjusted gross receipts.

B. The licensed operator shall furnish to the Department reports and information as the Department may require with respect to its activities on forms designated and supplied for such purpose by the Department.

C. Every five years the licensed operator shall submit to the Department for review and approval a reinvestment projection related to the casino gaming establishment to cover the succeeding five-year period of operations.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. Each casino game that operates electronically shall be connected to a central monitoring and audit system established and operated by the Department. Such system shall provide the ability to audit and account for terminal revenues and distributions in real time. The central monitoring and audit system shall collect the following information from each electronically operated casino game, as applicable: (i) cash in, (ii) cash out, (iii) points played, (iv) points won, (v) gross terminal income, (vi) net terminal income, (vii) the number of plays of the game, (viii) the amounts paid to play the game, (ix) door openings, (x) power failures, (xi) remote activations and disabling, and (xii) any other information required by Board regulations.

B. Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, the licensed operator shall transmit to the Department a third-party, independent audit of the financial transactions and condition of the licensee's total operations. All audits required by this section shall conform to Board regulations.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. The Board may issue a supplier's permit to any person upon application and payment of a nonrefundable application fee set by the Board, a determination by the Board that the applicant is eligible for a supplier's permit, and payment of a $5,000 initial permit fee. A supplier's permit shall be renewed at a fee to be determined by the Department, not to exceed $5,000 per year of licensure. Such fees shall be deposited by the Department into the Gaming Regulatory Fund established pursuant to § 58.1-4048. The Board shall prescribe by regulation the criteria for the issuance, duration, and renewal of supplier's permits.

B. The holder of a supplier's permit may sell or lease, or contract to sell or lease, casino gaming equipment and supplies, or provide management services, to any licensee involved in the ownership or management of gaming operations to the extent provided in the permit.

C. Gaming equipment, devices, and supplies shall not be distributed unless such equipment, devices, and supplies conform to standards adopted by the Department.

D. A person is ineligible to receive a supplier's permit if:

1. The person has been convicted of a felony under the laws of the Commonwealth or any other state or of the United States;

2. The person has submitted an application for a license under this chapter that contains false information;

3. The person is a Board member, employee of the Department, or a member of the immediate household of a Board member or Department employee;

4. The person is an entity in which a person described in subdivision 1, 2, or 3 is an officer, director, principal, or managerial employee;

5. The firm or corporation employs a person who participates in the management or operation of casino gaming authorized under this chapter; or

6. A prior permit issued to such person to own or operate casino gaming establishments or supply goods or services to a gaming operation under this chapter or any laws of any other jurisdiction has been revoked.

E. Any person that supplies any casino gaming equipment, devices, or supplies to a licensed gaming operation or manages any operation, including a computerized network, of a casino gaming establishment shall first obtain a supplier's permit. A supplier shall furnish to the Department a list of all management services, equipment, devices, and supplies offered for sale or lease in connection with the games authorized under this chapter. A supplier shall keep books and records for the furnishing of casino gaming equipment, devices, and supplies to gaming operations separate and distinct from any other business that the supplier might operate. A supplier shall file a quarterly return with the Department listing all sales and leases for which a permit is required. A supplier shall permanently affix its name to all its equipment, devices, and supplies for gaming operations. Any supplier's equipment, devices, or supplies that are used by any person in an unauthorized gaming operation shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth.

F. A licensed operator may operate its own equipment, devices, and supplies and may utilize casino gaming equipment, devices, and supplies at such locations as may be approved by the Department for the purpose of training enrollees in a school operated by the licensee to train individuals who desire to become qualified for employment or promotion in gaming operations. The Board may promulgate regulations for the conduct of any such schools.

G. Each holder of an operator's license under this chapter shall file an annual report with the Department listing its inventories of casino gaming equipment, devices, and supplies related to its operations in Virginia.

H. Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on an application for a supplier's permit is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 7; 2023, cc. 586, 587.

The denial of a supplier's permit by the Department shall be final unless appealed under § 58.1-4105. A permit may not be applied for again for a period of five years from the date of denial without the permission of the Department.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. The Director may suspend, revoke, refuse to renew, or assess a civil penalty against the holder of a license or permit in a sum not to exceed $100,000, after notice and a hearing. Such license or permit may, however, be temporarily suspended by the Director without prior notice, pending any prosecution, hearing, or investigation, whether by a third party or by the Director. A license may be suspended, revoked, or refused renewal by the Director for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Failure to comply with, or violation of, any provision of this chapter or any regulation or condition of the Department;

2. Failure to disclose facts during the application process that indicate that such license or permit should not have been issued;

3. Conviction of a felony under the laws of the Commonwealth or any other state or of the United States subsequent to issuance of a license or permit;

4. Failure to file any return or report, to keep any records, or to pay any fees or other charges required by this chapter;

5. Any act of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or conduct prejudicial to public confidence in the integrity of gaming operations;

6. A material change, since issuance of the license or permit, with respect to any matters required to be considered by the Director under this chapter; or

7. Other factors established by Board regulation.

B. Such action by the Director shall be final unless appealed in accordance with § 58.1-4105. Suspension or revocation of a license or permit for any violation shall not preclude criminal liability for such violation.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

The Department shall require any person desiring to become a principal of, or other investor in, any licensee or holder of a supplier's permit to apply to the Board for approval and may demand such information of the applicant as it finds necessary. The Board shall consider such application within 60 days of its receipt, and if in its judgment the acquisition by the applicant would be detrimental to the public interest, to the honesty and integrity of gaming operations, or to its reputation, the application shall be denied. All reasonable costs for review by the Board shall be borne by the applicant.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

No person shall participate in any gaming operation as a casino gaming employee or concessionaire or employee of either or in any other occupation that the Board has determined necessary to regulate in order to ensure the integrity of casino gaming in the Commonwealth unless such person possesses a service permit to perform such occupation issued by the Board. The Board shall prescribe by regulation the criteria for the issuance, duration, and renewal of service permits.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. Any person desiring to obtain a service permit as required by this chapter shall apply on a form prescribed by the Department. The application shall be accompanied by a fee prescribed by the Department. Such fees shall be deposited by the Department into the Gaming Regulatory Fund established pursuant to § 58.1-4048.

B. Any application filed hereunder shall be verified by the oath or affirmation of the applicant.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2023, cc. 586, 587.

A. The Department shall promptly consider any application for a service permit and issue or deny such service permit on the basis of the information in the application and all other information provided, including any investigation it considers appropriate. If an application for a service permit is approved, the Department shall issue a service permit containing such information as the Department considers appropriate.

B. The Department shall deny the application and refuse to issue the service permit, which denial shall be final unless an appeal is taken under § 58.1-4105, if it finds that the issuance of such service permit to such applicant would not be in the best interests of the Commonwealth or would reflect negatively on the honesty and integrity of casino gaming in the Commonwealth or that the applicant:

1. Has knowingly made a false statement of a material fact in the application or has deliberately failed to disclose any information requested by the Department;

2. Is or has been guilty of any corrupt or fraudulent practice or conduct in connection with gaming operations in the Commonwealth or any other state;

3. Has knowingly failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter or the regulations promulgated hereunder;

4. Has had a service permit to engage in activity related to casino gaming denied for cause, suspended, or revoked in the Commonwealth or any other state, and such denial, suspension, or revocation is still in effect;

5. Is unqualified to perform the duties required for the service permit sought; or

6. Has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving unlawful conduct of wagering, fraudulent use of a gaming credential, unlawful transmission of information, touting, bribery, embezzlement, distribution or possession of drugs, excluding misdemeanor possession of marijuana, or any crime considered by the Department to be detrimental to the honesty and integrity of casino gaming in the Commonwealth.

C. The Department may refuse to issue a service permit if for any reason it determines the granting of such service permit is not consistent with the provisions of this chapter or its responsibilities or any regulations promulgated by any other agency of the Commonwealth.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2022, cc. 589, 590.

A. The Director may suspend, revoke, refuse to renew, or assess a civil penalty against the holder of a service permit in a sum not to exceed $10,000, after notice and a hearing. Such service permit may, however, be temporarily suspended by the Director without prior notice, pending any prosecution, hearing, or investigation, whether by a third party or by the Director. A service permit may be suspended, revoked, or refused renewal by the Director for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Failure to comply with, or violation of, any provision of this chapter or any regulation or condition of the Department;

2. Failure to disclose facts during the application process that indicate that such service permit should not have been issued;

3. Conviction of a felony under the laws of the Commonwealth or any other state or of the United States subsequent to issuance of a service permit;

4. Failure to file any return or report, keep any record, or pay any fees or other charges required by this chapter;

5. Any act of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or conduct prejudicial to public confidence in the integrity of gaming operations;

6. A material change, since issuance of the service permit, with respect to any matters required to be considered by the Director under this chapter; or

7. Other factors established by Department regulation.

B. Actions taken by the Director pursuant to this section shall be final unless appealed in accordance with § 58.1-4105. Suspension or revocation of a service permit for any violation shall not preclude criminal liability for such violation.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. Casino gaming may be conducted by licensed operators, subject to the following:

1. Minimum and maximum wagers on games shall be set by Department regulations.

2. Agents of the Department, the Department of State Police, and the local law-enforcement and fire departments may enter any casino gaming establishment and inspect such facility at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with this chapter and other applicable fire prevention and safety laws.

3. Employees of the Department shall have the right to be present in any facilities under the control of the licensee.

4. Gaming equipment, devices, and supplies customarily used in conducting casino gaming shall be purchased or leased only from suppliers holding permits for such purpose under this chapter.

5. Persons licensed under this chapter shall permit no form of wagering on games except as permitted by this chapter.

6. Wagers may be received only from a person present at the licensed casino gaming establishment. No person present at such facility shall place or attempt to place a wager on behalf of another person who is not present at the facility.

7. No person under age 21 shall be permitted to make a wager under this chapter or be present where casino gaming is being conducted. A licensee or permit holder may employ persons between the ages of 18 and 21 for positions in nongaming areas and such employees may traverse the gaming floor, while on duty.

8. No person shall place or accept a wager on youth sports.

9. No licensee or permit holder shall accept postdated checks in payment for participation in any gaming operation. No licensee or permit holder, or any person on the premises of a casino gaming establishment, shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit card or other electronic fund transfer in payment for participation in any gaming operation. A licensee or permit holder may accept prepaid access instruments. In order to transfer funds for gaming purposes, a prepaid access instrument must be redeemed for tokens, chips, credits, electronic credits, electronic cash, electronic cards, or used in conjunction with an approved cashless wagering system or interactive gaming account. A licensee or permit holder may issue interest-free counter checks to a player provided (i) the player submits an application and (ii) the licensee or permit holder verifies funds sufficient to cover the face value of the counter check. Such counter checks shall be subject to the tax reporting requirements under state and federal law. Nothing shall preclude a player from making a wire transfer to licensees or permit holders.

B. Casino gaming wagers shall be conducted only with tokens, chips, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards purchased from a licensed casino gaming operator. The conversion of cash to tokens, chips, credits, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards at a slot machine or any other casino game is permissible and does not constitute conducting a wager. Such tokens, chips, credits, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards may be used only for the purpose of (i) making wagers on games, (ii) redeeming for cash or check, or (iii) making a donation to a charitable entity granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the donated tokens, chips, credits, electronic credits, electronic cash, or electronic cards are redeemed by the same charitable entity accepting the donation. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to sports betting in a sports betting facility, which may be conducted using cash.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 7; 2022, cc. 589, 590.

Every casino gaming operator shall post in a conspicuous place in its casino gaming establishment a sign that bears the toll-free telephone number and website for the illegal gaming tip line established and administered by the Office of the Gaming Enforcement Coordinator in the Department of State Police pursuant to § 52-54 for members of the public to report concerns about, or suspected instances of, illegal gaming activities.

2024, c. 593.

A. The Department shall not grant any initial license to operate a gaming operation in an eligible host city until a referendum on the question of whether casino gaming shall be permitted in such city is approved by the voters of such city.

B. The governing body of any city containing an eligible host city shall petition the court, by resolution, asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether casino gaming shall be permitted within the city. The court, by order entered of record in accordance with Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2, shall require the regular election officials of the city to open the polls and take the sense of the voters on the question as herein provided.

C. The clerk of such court of record of such city shall publish notice of such election in a newspaper of general circulation in such city once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to such election.

D. The regular election officers of such city shall open the polls at the various voting places in such city on the date specified in such order and conduct such election in the manner provided by law. The election shall be by ballot, which shall be prepared by the electoral board of the city and on which shall be printed the following question:

"Shall casino gaming be permitted at a casino gaming establishment in (name of city and location) as may be approved by the Virginia Lottery Board?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No"

In the blank shall be inserted the name of the city in which such election is held and the proposed location of the casino gaming establishment. Any voter desiring to vote "Yes" shall mark in the square provided for such purpose immediately preceding the word "Yes," leaving the square immediately preceding the word "No" unmarked. Any voter desiring to vote "No" shall mark in the square provided for such purpose immediately preceding the word "No," leaving the square immediately preceding the word "Yes" unmarked.

E. The ballots shall be counted, the returns made and canvassed as in other elections, and the results certified by the electoral board to the court ordering such election. Thereupon, such court shall enter an order proclaiming the results of such election and a duly certified copy of such order shall be transmitted to the Department and to the governing body of such city.

F. A subsequent local referendum shall be required if a license has not been granted by the Board within five years of the court order proclaiming the results of the election.

G. The governing body of any eligible host city that holds a local referendum pursuant to this section that subsequently fails shall be prohibited from holding another local referendum on the same question for a period of three years from the date of the last referendum.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2024, cc. 291, 798.

A. A tax on the adjusted gross receipts of each licensed operator received from games authorized under this chapter shall be imposed as follows:

1. On the first $200 million of adjusted gross receipts of an operator each calendar year, a rate of 18 percent.

2. On the adjusted gross receipts of an operator that exceed $200 million but do not exceed $400 million each calendar year, a rate of 23 percent.

3. On the adjusted gross receipts of an operator that exceed $400 million each calendar year, a rate of 30 percent.

B. All tax revenues collected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall accrue to the Gaming Proceeds Fund and be allocated as provided in § 58.1-4125.

C. The taxes imposed by this section shall be paid by the licensed operator to the Department no later than the close of the fifth day of each month for the preceding month when the adjusted gross receipts were received and shall be accompanied by forms and returns prescribed by the Board. Revenues collected pursuant to this section shall be credited to the Gaming Proceeds Fund to be appropriated as set forth in § 58.1-4125. The Department may suspend or revoke the license of an operator for willful failure to submit the wagering tax payment or the return within the specified time.

D. The tax imposed under this section shall not apply to the receipts of a licensed operator from sports betting, whether such receipts were generated from a sports betting facility or sports betting platform; instead, such receipts shall be taxable under § 58.1-4037.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 7.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Gaming Proceeds Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys required to be deposited into the Fund pursuant to this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

B. Revenues from the Fund shall be apportioned by the Comptroller as follows:

1. The following amounts shall be distributed to the city in which they were collected by warrants of the Comptroller drawn on the Treasurer of Virginia on a quarterly basis:

a. An amount equal to a six percent tax on the first $200 million of adjusted gross receipts;

b. An amount equal to a seven percent tax on the adjusted gross receipts that exceed $200 million but do not exceed $400 million; and

c. An amount equal to an eight percent tax on the adjusted gross receipts that exceed $400 million.

2. For any casino gaming establishment operated by a Virginia Indian tribe recognized in House Joint Resolution No. 54 (1983) and acknowledged by the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior as an Indian tribe within the meaning of federal law that has the authority to conduct gaming activities as a matter of claimed inherent authority or under the authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.), an amount equal to a tax of one percent on the adjusted gross receipts of such establishment shall be deposited in the Virginia Indigenous People's Trust Fund established pursuant to § 2.2-401.01.

3. Eight-tenths of one percent of the Fund shall be deposited in the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund established pursuant to § 37.2-314.2.

4. Two-tenths of one percent of the Fund shall be deposited in the Family and Children's Trust Fund established pursuant to § 63.2-2100.

5. Any remaining revenues not apportioned pursuant to subdivisions 1 through 4 shall be deposited in the School Construction Fund established pursuant to § 22.1-140.1.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 7; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 8, 9; 2023, cc. 586, 587.

A. No person shall:

1. Operate casino gaming where wagering is used or to be used without a license issued by the Department.

2. Operate casino gaming where wagering is permitted other than in the manner specified by this chapter.

3. Offer, promise, or give anything of value or benefit to a person who is connected with a gaming operation, including an officer or employee of a licensed operator or permit holder, pursuant to an agreement or arrangement or with the intent that the promise or thing of value or benefit will influence the actions of the person to whom the offer, promise, or gift was made in order to affect or attempt to affect the outcome of a game, or to influence official action of a member of the Board, the Director, a Department employee, or a local governing body.

4. Solicit or knowingly accept a promise of anything of value or benefit while the person is connected with a gaming operation, including an officer or employee of a licensed operator or permit holder, pursuant to an understanding or arrangement or with the intent that the promise or thing of value or benefit will influence the actions of the person to affect or attempt to affect the outcome of a game, or to influence official action of a member of the Board, the Director, a Department employee, or a local governing body.

5. Use or possess with the intent to use a device to assist in:

a. Projecting the outcome of a game;

b. Keeping track of the cards played;

c. Analyzing the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to a game; or

d. Analyzing the strategy for playing or betting to be used in a game except as permitted by Department regulation.

6. Cheat at gaming.

7. Manufacture, sell, or distribute any card, chip, dice, game, or device that is intended to be used to violate any provision of this chapter.

8. Alter or misrepresent the outcome of a game on which wagers have been made after the outcome is made sure but before it is revealed to the players.

9. Place a bet after acquiring knowledge, not available to all players, of the outcome of the game that is the subject of the bet or to aid a person in acquiring the knowledge for the purpose of placing a bet contingent on that outcome.

10. Claim, collect, or take, or attempt to claim, collect, or take, money or anything of value in or from a game, with intent to defraud, without having made a wager contingent on winning the game or claim, collect, or take an amount of money or thing of value of greater value than the amount won.

11. Use counterfeit chips or tokens in a game.

12. Possess any key or device designed for the purpose of opening, entering, or affecting the operation of a game, drop box, or electronic or mechanical device connected with the game or for removing coins, tokens, chips, or other contents of a game. This subdivision does not apply to a casino gaming licensee or employee of a casino gaming licensee acting in furtherance of the employee's employment.

B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 6 felony. In addition, any person convicted of a violation of subsection A shall be barred for life from gaming operations under the jurisdiction of the Board.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

Any person other than the lawful holder thereof who has in his possession any credential, license, or permit issued by the Department, or any person who has in his possession any forged or simulated credential, license, or permit of the Department, and who uses such credential, license, or permit for the purposes of misrepresentation, fraud, or touting, is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Any credential, license, or permit issued by the Department, if used by the holder thereof for a purpose other than identification and in the performance of legitimate duties in a casino gaming establishment, shall be automatically revoked.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. No person shall wager on or conduct any wagering on the outcome of a game pursuant to the provisions of this chapter unless such person is 21 years of age or older. No person shall accept any wager from a person under age 21.

B. No person shall wager on or conduct any wagering on the outcome of a youth sports game. No person shall accept any wager from a person on a youth sports game.

C. Violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. Any person who conspires, confederates, or combines with another, either within or outside the Commonwealth, to commit a felony prohibited by this chapter is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who attempts to commit any act prohibited by this article is guilty of a criminal offense and shall be punished as provided in § 18.2-26, 18.2-27, or 18.2-28, as appropriate.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

Any person who conducts a gaming operation without first obtaining a license to do so, or who continues to conduct such games after revocation of his license, in addition to other penalties provided, shall be subject to a civil penalty assessed by the Board equal to the amount of gross receipts derived from wagering on games, whether unauthorized or authorized, conducted on the day, as well as confiscation and forfeiture of all casino gaming equipment, devices, and supplies used in the conduct of unauthorized games. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit to the general fund.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

On-premises mobile casino gaming shall be subject to the provisions of, and preempted and superseded by, any applicable federal law.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

On-premises mobile casino gaming is prohibited except when offered by a casino gaming operator to individuals who participate in on-premises mobile casino gaming on the premises of the casino gaming establishment. Any casino gaming operator that offers on-premises mobile casino gaming shall comply with any regulations promulgated by the Board related to on-premises mobile casino gaming.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. A casino gaming operator's primary on-premises mobile casino gaming operation, including facilities, equipment, and personnel who are directly engaged in the conduct of on-premises mobile casino gaming, shall be located within a restricted area on the premises of the casino gaming establishment. Backup equipment used on a temporary basis pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Board to conduct on-premises mobile casino gaming may, with the approval of the Department, be located outside the territorial limits of a casino gaming establishment.

B. Facilities used to conduct and support on-premises mobile casino gaming shall:

1. Be arranged in a manner promoting optimum security;

2. Include a closed circuit visual monitoring system according to specifications approved by the Department, with access on the premises to the system or its signal provided to the Department;

3. Not be designed in any way that might interfere with the ability of the Department to supervise on-premises mobile casino gaming operations; and

4. Comply in all respects with regulations of the Board pertaining thereto.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. A casino gaming operator may offer on-premises mobile casino gaming only to an individual who has established an on-premises mobile casino gaming account and uses such account to place wagers as follows:

1. Any wager shall be placed directly with the casino gaming operator by the account holder;

2. The casino gaming operator shall verify the account holder's physical presence on the premises of the casino gaming establishment; and

3. The account holder shall provide the casino licensee with the correct authentication information for access to the wagering account.

B. A casino gaming operator shall not accept a wager in an amount in excess of funds on deposit in the account of the individual placing the wager.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

All amounts remaining in on-premises mobile casino gaming accounts inactive or dormant for such period and under such conditions as established by regulation by the Board shall be closed. Any funds remaining in the account at such time shall be paid 50 percent to the casino gaming operator and 50 percent to the general fund. Before closing an account pursuant to this section, the casino gaming operator shall attempt to contact the account holder by mail, phone, and electronic mail.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. In order to assist those persons who may have a gambling problem, a casino gaming operator shall:

1. Cause the words "If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER," or some comparable language approved by the Department, which language shall include the words "gambling problem" and "call 1-800 GAMBLER," to be displayed prominently at log-on and log-off times to any person visiting or logged onto on-premises mobile casino gaming; and

2. Provide a mechanism by which an account holder may establish the following controls on wagering activity through the wagering account:

a. A limit on the amount of money deposited within a specified period of time and the length of time the account holder will be unable to participate in gaming if the holder reaches the established deposit limit; and

b. A temporary suspension of gaming through the account for any number of hours or days.

B. The casino gaming operator shall not send gaming-related electronic mail to an account holder while gaming through his account is suspended, if the suspension is for at least 72 hours. The casino gaming operator shall provide a mechanism by which an account holder may change these controls, except that, while gaming through the wagering account is suspended, the account holder may not change gaming controls until the suspension expires, but the account holder shall continue to have access to the account and shall be permitted to withdraw funds from the account upon proper application therefor.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

Any person who offers on-premises mobile casino gaming in violation of this article or regulations promulgated thereunder is guilty of a Class 6 felony and subject to a fine of not more than $25,000 and, in the case of a person other than a natural person, to a fine of not more than $100,000.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. Any person who knowingly tampers with software, computers, or other equipment used to conduct on-premises mobile casino gaming to alter the odds or the payout of a game or disables the game from operating according to the rules of the game as promulgated by the Board is guilty of a Class 5 felony and subject to a fine of not more than $50,000 and, in the case of a person other than a natural person, to a fine of not more than $200,000.

B. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection A, an employee of the casino gaming operator who violates this section shall have his permit revoked and shall be subject to such further penalty as the Department deems appropriate.

C. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection A, a casino gaming operator that violates this section shall have its license to conduct casino gaming suspended for a period determined by the Department and shall be subject to such further penalty as the Department deems appropriate.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. Any person who knowingly offers or allows to be offered any on-premises mobile casino game that has been tampered with in a way that affects the odds or the payout of a game or disables the game from operating according to the rules of the game as promulgated by the Board is guilty of a Class 5 felony and subject to a fine of not more than $50,000 and, in the case of a person other than a natural person, to a fine of not more than $200,000.

B. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection A, an employee of the casino gaming operator who violates this section shall have his permit suspended for a period of not less than 30 days.

C. In addition to the penalties provided in subsection A, a casino gaming operator that violates this section shall have its license to conduct casino gaming suspended for a period of not less than 30 days.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

No person shall make its premises available for on-premises mobile casino gaming or advertise that its premises may be used for such purpose, other than a casino gaming operator that (i) has located all of its equipment used to conduct on-premises mobile casino gaming, including computers, servers, monitoring rooms, and hubs, on the premises of its casino gaming establishment and (ii) that offers on-site mobile casino gaming only to individuals who participate in such gaming on the premises of the casino gaming establishment. Any person that is determined by the Department to have violated the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000 per player per day for making its premises available for on-premises mobile casino gaming and of $10,000 per violation for advertising that its premises may be used for such purpose.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

Any gross receipts from on-premises mobile casino gaming shall be included in a casino gaming operator's adjusted gross receipts and subject to taxation pursuant to the provisions of Article 9 (§ 58.1-4124 et seq.).

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.