Lobbying activities in Virginia indicate that gambling legislation will remain a key focus in the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Several major gaming entities have already invested significantly in lobbying efforts, suggesting potential changes to casino and skill games regulations.

Caesars Entertainment leads spending with $418,155 in lobbying investments ahead of their Caesars Virginia opening in Danville. Churchill Downs follows with $268,593 after launching The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries.

Key lobbying initiatives include:

• No NOVA Casino committee raised $370,209 to oppose Fairfax County casino voting
• MGM Resorts invested $222,267, likely supporting opposition to Northern Virginia casino development
• Sports Betting Alliance allocated $160,926 for online gaming expansion
• Pace-O-Matic spent $461,048 advocating for skill games legalization

The Fairfax/Tysons casino proposal faces significant opposition from local communities and the County Board of Supervisors, though union support remains strong. Skill games legislation may see renewed attention after previous efforts stalled due to disagreements over tax rates and location restrictions.

The 2024 legislation allowing skill games in ABC-licensed businesses failed after Governor Youngkin proposed amendments including:

• Increased tax rate from 25% to 35%
• 35-mile buffer around casinos and parimutuel venues
• 2,500-foot exclusion from schools, daycares, and religious facilities

The 2025 legislative session runs from January 8 through February 22, with gaming expansion and regulation expected to be significant topics of discussion.

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