Are Slots Legal in Virginia?

As of 2019, Virginia has no legal casinos and no plans to bring them to the state in the near future. This could change, however, as the state’s General Assembly is currently considering legislation that would allow for the construction of a casino in Bristol.

If this bill passes, it would be up to voters to decide whether or not to approve the casino. For now, though, there are no legal casinos in Virginia.

 Exclusive Slots & Free Spins Offers: 

This lack of casinos might seem surprising, given that Virginia is home to some of the country’s most famous horse racing tracks, including Colonial Downs and Charlestown Races. However, while gambling on horse racing is legal in Virginia, actual casinos are not.

There are a number of reasons why this is the case, but the most likely one is that the state’s powerful evangelical Christian community has long opposed gambling.

There is also a strong anti-gambling tradition in Virginia dating back to colonial times. In 1619, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law making gambling illegal.

This law remained in effect for over 200 years, until it was finally repealed in 1866. Since then, there have been several attempts to bring casinos to Virginia, but all of them have failed due largely to opposition from Christian groUPS and anti-gambling activists.

So far, it looks like this opposition will continue to block any efforts to legalize casinos in Virginia. However, with the state’s General Assembly currently considering legislation that would allow for the construction of a casino in Bristol, it’s possible that this could change in the near future.

If this bill passes and voters approve the casino, then Virginia would finally have its first legal casino. Until then, though, there are no legal casinos in Virginia.