Subcommittee advances measures easing charitable gaming rules for clubs and nonprofits

Sen. Jones presented amendments intended to modernize aspects of charitable gaming law by clarifying tournament rules and allowing member‑only games that are shorter than all‑day tournaments. Sponsors and proponents argued the changes simply make existing charitable gaming more accessible and preserve oversight and membership requirements.

Mike Rios from the Virginia Charitable Gaming Association described the amendments as an effort to allow individual cash games in social quarters with oversight and membership safeguards. Jerome Legions, president of the Moore Street School Foundation, told the committee charitable gaming funds have supported community rehabilitation projects and that the proposed changes could provide lifeline funding to local nonprofits.

The committee moved to report the amended bill and refer it to Finance. The clerk recorded the roll and the subcommittee recommended reporting the bill as amended.