SB 579 Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Illegal gambling; online sweepstakes games, civil penalty.

Summary

Illegal gambling; online sweepstakes games; civil penalty. Includes the (i) operating, conducting, or promoting of any online sweepstakes games and (ii) supporting or assisting in the operating, conducting, or promoting of any online sweepstakes game in the definition of "illegal gambling." The bill defines an "online sweepstakes game" as any game, contest, or promotion in which a prize is awarded based on chance that (a) is available on the internet and accessible on a mobile phone, computer, or similar device; (b) utilizes a dual currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent; and (c) simulates casino-style gaming, including slot machines, video poker, table games, lottery games, and sports betting. Persons who operate, conduct, or promote online sweepstakes games or take any action to support or assist in the operation, conduct, or promotion of online sweepstakes games shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 per violation. The bill contains technical amendments.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Feb 11, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Courts of Justice Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was substantially rewritten from an original version that would have directly criminalized online sweepstakes games and imposed civil penalties, to a new version that directs the Virginia Lottery Board to study these games before taking action. This represents a major policy shift from immediate regulation to a research-based approach, allowing time to better understand the industry before implementing rules.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from directly prohibiting and penalizing online sweepstakes games to creating a study requirement. The new version removes all enforcement mechanisms and penalty provisions, replacing them with a directive to conduct research and gather industry input.

ENFORCEMENT

Removed all penalty provisions that would have imposed civil fines of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation on operators of online sweepstakes games

DEFINITION

Removed detailed definitions for 'online sweepstakes game,' 'skill game,' 'gambling device,' and related terms that were in the original bill

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for the Virginia Lottery Board to convene a work group of stakeholders including industry representatives to study online sweepstakes games

TIMELINE

Added deadline of December 1, 2026 for the work group to report findings and recommendations to legislative committee chairs

SCOPE

Changed the bill from a regulatory measure to a research and study measure, removing all enforcement and penalty provisions

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 11, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate committee offered

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors