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Bill

HB 791

Charitable gaming; conduct of athletic event drawings.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Austin

Bill expands Virginia charitable gaming law to permit athletic event drawings as fundraising mechanism for nonprofits; twice rejected by House.

Read third time and defeated by House (29-Y 65-N 0-A)
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Bill Summary · HB 791

Legislative bill overview

HB 791 would modify Virginia's charitable gaming regulations to permit the conduct of athletic event drawings as a form of charitable gaming. The bill specifically authorizes organizations to hold drawings tied to athletic events, expanding the types of games currently permitted under state charitable gaming law.

Why is this important

Charitable gaming generates significant revenue for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations in Virginia. Expanding what games qualify affects how these organizations can fundraise and could influence gaming regulation enforcement across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Expansion of gaming activities: Critics may view expanding charitable gaming as incrementally normalizing gambling, even for nonprofit purposes, with concerns about problem gambling accessibility
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Athletic event drawings" may lack clear definition, creating enforcement challenges and potential loopholes in regulation
  • Revenue displacement: Existing charitable gaming operators might view this as competition for limited fundraising dollars in their communities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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