While Virginia lawmakers explore the possibility of adding new casinos to the state, a state Senate panel made moves on some initial gambling bills, including the introduction of a bill that would legalize betting on Virginia college sports.
Sports betting has been legal in Virginia since 2021, but betting on college sports teams is not allowed. SB124 would allow gambling on Virginia college teams except for prop bets, meaning bettors could only wager on the outcome of a game rather than the performance of individual student-athletes.
Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg is sponsoring the bill to lift the college sports restriction. He told the Virginia Mercury “You see a lot of people who are still gambling on Virginia sports. They’re doing it in D.C. They’re doing it in Tennessee. They’re doing it illegally. They’re doing it through a friend,” he said. “All of our surrounding states can gamble on Virginia universities.”
There is Support for the Virginia College Sports Betting Bill
Those backing the bill argue that legalizing and regulating gambling is a safer option. They point out that people are already betting on Virginia’s teams, but it’s happening from other states and through illegal channels.
Some lawmakers point out the tax revenue sports betting could generate. They also say that many Virginians already travel to bordering states (like Maryland and North Carolina) that allow betting on college sports to bet on sports.
And it’s worth noting that Virginia does not have any professional sports teams for its residents to bet on. The closest teams are those in the Washington, D.C. area, like the Washington Nationals and the Washington Commanders.
Which Virginia Colleges Would Be Included?
Virginia boasts several prominent colleges with substantial followings in basketball and football, including:
- University of Virginia: Recognized for its strong presence in both basketball, football, and other sports.
- Virginia Tech: Another major player in college sports, particularly in basketball and football.
- George Mason University: Gained attention for a remarkable run to the Final Four in basketball in 2006.
- Virginia Commonwealth University: Regular participant in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, reaching the Final Four in 2011.
- Old Dominion University: Made it to the men’s baseball NCAA in 2021.
- James Madison University: Women’s softball made a nice run during the Women’s College World Series in 2021.
Other Virginia schools that would be added to the betting slip include:
- Hampton
- Liberty
- Longwood
- Norfolk State
- Radford
- Richmond
- Virginia Military
- William & Mary
So, there would be a robust selection of schools to bet on if the bill is passed, but some legislators worry such a measure would leave college athletes susceptible to taking bribes and manipulating the outcome of games.
Where Does VA SB124 Go From Here?
Currently, SB124 is being reviewed by the Senate Gaming Committee. If the committee approves the bill, it will either be sent to another committee or proceed to the Senate for a vote.
If the Senate approves the bill, it will then be voted on by the House. If the bill passes the House, it will be sent to Governor Glenn Youngkin for his signature.
