SB 1503

Abstract

Authorizes casino gaming in the Commonwealth to be regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board (the Board). The bill specifies the licensing requirements for casino gaming and imposes criminal and civil penalties for violations of the casino gaming law. Casino gaming shall be limited to (i) any city in which at least 40 percent of the land area is exempt from local real property taxation pursuant to federal law or specified sections of the Constitution of Virginia; (ii) any city that had a rate of unemployment at least four percentage points higher than the statewide average, a poverty rate of at least 20 percent, and a population decrease in the locality of at least 20 percent from the previous year, all computed as of November 2017; or (iii) any city that had a rate of unemployment at least four percentage points higher than the statewide average, a poverty rate of at least 22 percent, and a population decrease in the locality of at least 20 percent from the previous year, all computed as of November 2017, and located adjacent to a state that has adopted a Border Region Retail Tourism Development District Act. The bill imposes a tax of 10 percent on the adjusted gross receipts of licensees and provides for how the tax proceeds are disbursed. In addition, a referendum must be passed in the city on the question of allowing casino gaming in the city. The bill requires the Board to establish and implement a voluntary exclusion program allowing individuals to voluntarily list themselves as being barred from entering a casino gaming establishment or other facility under the jurisdiction of the Board. The bill also establishes the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund administered by the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to provide counseling and other support services for compulsive and problem gamblers, develop problem gambling treatment and prevention programs, and provide grants to support organizations that provide assistance to compulsive gamblers.