A national gambling policy advocate is urging Virginia lawmakers to reject proposals to legalize online casino gaming, warning that expanded mobile gambling could increase financial and social risks for residents.
“The question facing Virginia is not whether online casinos are the next step in modernization and convenience. The question is whether we are prepared to accept the very real human and financial costs that come with them,” wrote Brianne Doura-Schawohl, national director of Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), in an op-ed in Cardinal News, which covers Roanoke. “Are we prepared to turn every smartphone into a casino and accept the consequences that follow?”
“Lawmakers must reject this expansion of online casino gambling and prioritize the long-term health and well-being of Virginia families over the short-term revenue promises from predatory iGaming companies,” Doura-Schawohl wrote. “This is a decision that will shape our communities for years to come, and it is one Virginia should approach with caution and restraint.”
In addition to being the director of CFG, Doura-Schawohl is a Fairfax-based gambling policy consultant and founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC.
Her op-ed comes as the General Assembly considers proposals that would authorize internet casino gaming, often referred to as iGaming, and place it under the authority of the Virginia Lottery Board.
Senate Bill 118 would create a regulated online casino market in Virginia and authorize internet gaming and establish oversight through the Lottery Board, according to the Virginia Legislative Information System bill summary.
A fiscal analysis of SB 118 says the proposal would allow licensed casino operators to run online gaming platforms and would impose a 20% tax on adjusted gross internet gaming revenue.
In the House, House Bill 161 outlines a similar regulatory structure and a 15% tax rate, as described in the House fiscal impact statement.
“A small portion, 5%, of those taxes would be allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund,” reported WTOP on Jan. 12.
Bernal wrote that online casino gambling differs from traditional casinos because it allows continuous access through mobile devices, removing the physical and time limits that historically constrained gambling activity. He described smartphones as creating “pocket casinos,” enabling wagering at any hour without requiring individuals to travel to regulated gaming locations, a shift he said could increase exposure to gambling risks.
He also questioned claims that online casinos would generate substantial new economic growth, writing that research from states with legalized iGaming suggests much of the spending represents a shift from other local economic activity rather than entirely new revenue. He said policymakers should weigh potential social and financial costs alongside projected tax benefits when evaluating legalization proposals.
Even without the legalization of “iGaming,” calls to the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline — the state-supported hotline that connects residents to treatment and support services — increased 49% from 2023 to 2024, while intake calls rose 11%, according to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ evaluation of problem gambling services.
The DBHDS evaluation also noted broader growth in legal gambling activity statewide, reporting that Virginia sports betting revenue reached $560.2 million in 2023, a 16.4% increase year over year.
iGaming is “highly addictive,” wrote Tad Berman, founder of Virginians for Integrity in Horse Racing and Casino Gambling, in a Dec. 2025 op-ed in Cardinal News.
“Problem gaming disorders have skyrocketed in the seven states where it has been legalized,” wrote Berman. “Having a casino available on your smartphone 24/7 makes casino gambling way too accessible and creates a situation where you can wipe out your entire bank account and max out your credit cards in just minutes, without ever leaving your house.”
The Senate has advanced SB 118 to the House after a floor vote, while HB 161 has moved through House committee review and awaits additional consideration before reaching the full chamber. With crossover deadlines approaching, lawmakers could take additional floor votes as early as next week to determine whether online casino legislation continues advancing this session.
