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Bill

HB 396

Charitable gaming; definitions, Texas Hold'em poker tournaments, minimum age to participate.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Gardner and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia legalizes Texas Hold'em poker tournaments for charitable fundraising with age restrictions and updated gaming definitions.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 396

Legislative bill overview

HB 396 modifies Virginia's charitable gaming laws to explicitly permit Texas Hold'em poker tournaments as an approved charitable gaming activity and establishes a minimum age requirement for participation. The bill updates definitional language in the state's charitable gaming statutes to accommodate poker tournaments alongside existing authorized games like bingo and raffles.

Why is this important

This legislation expands the fundraising tools available to Virginia charities and nonprofit organizations by legalizing a previously restricted gaming format. The age restriction ensures regulatory safeguards while allowing organizations to generate revenue through poker events that may attract participants who prefer card games over traditional bingo or slot machine-style offerings.

Potential points of contention

  • Gambling expansion concerns: Some stakeholders may oppose further legalization of gambling activities, viewing poker tournaments as normalizing gaming regardless of charitable purpose
  • Age threshold ambiguity: The bill's specific minimum age requirement (not detailed in this summary) could be debated—whether it adequately protects younger adults or unnecessarily restricts participation
  • Enforcement and oversight: Questions may arise about how charitable organizations will be monitored to prevent exploitation of the poker tournament exemption for personal profit rather than charitable purposes

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

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