Consultants tell House General Laws committee Virginia should create independent Gaming Commission

Delegate David Bulova, chair of the House General Laws Committee, invited consultants to brief the committee on a joint-subcommittee study that recommends creating an independent Virginia Gaming Commission to consolidate oversight of most gaming activity in the Commonwealth.

The presentation, delivered by Colin Hood, director at consulting firm Guidehouse, outlined 13 operational recommendations intended to centralize regulation — excluding the traditional Virginia Lottery — to improve enforcement, data reporting, and problem-gambling coordination. Hood said the consolidated model would cover a wide range of gaming types, from sports wagering and casinos to charitable gaming and historical horseracing, and that the benefits "certainly outweigh the one-time cost to stand up this organization." He told members the study included cost–benefit analysis and comparisons to other states.

The study recommends that the new commission be established as an independent agency, create a problem-gambling division, an external affairs and policy division to support lawmakers and stakeholders, and preserve existing beneficiaries of gaming revenue. Hood emphasized the lack of a single centralized source of data today and said the commission would provide a consistent reporting framework to the General Assembly. "A consolidated model will be the platform for pulling that together," he said.

Committee members asked how the model would protect the equine industry. In response, Hood said staff who support the Virginia Racing Commission would remain assigned to horse-racing matters and would continue to support the Virginia Racing Commission’s nongaming responsibilities. He said the proposal includes elevating the existing executive secretary role to "executive secretary of racing and deputy commissioner of gaming" to ensure horseracing interests have a seat at planning and regulatory discussions.

Members also asked about appointments and independence. Hood said the recommendation mirrors the Virginia Lottery Board model, calling for gubernatorial appointment of independent, nonindustry board members.

Bulova said the joint subcommittee that oversaw the study voted on the plan and that the committee will continue work in the ABC and gaming subcommittee this session. The presentation and supporting materials were placed on the meeting agenda for members to review.

Ending: The committee did not take formal action during the full meeting; members were directed to consider the recommendations further in subcommittee. The Guidehouse presentation and the joint-subcommittee report are available on the meeting agenda for follow-up.