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Betting on Hokies football and Cavaliers basketball from the commonwealth of Virginia could soon be legal. Currently, those in the state can only bet on these teams or games that feature them by using an offshore sportsbook or local bookie.
A bill at the General Assembly, Senate Bill 124 would allow for betting on state schools, just not player props such as the Over/Under passing yards or whether someone will score a touchdown.
Sen. Schuyler VanVaklenburg, D-Henrico is the bill’s sponsor. When the issue of players taking bribes or manipulating the outcome of games comes up, VanVaklenburg argues that people are already wagering on Virginia’s teams from other states and through illegal means.
“You can ban it, but people are still going to do it,” VanValkenburg said. “The fear that this is going to corrupt or put pressure on Virginia athletes, that’s already there. We’re already living in that world.”
Virginia residents wagered $639 million on sports in November, the highest yet in a single month and this despite neither the Cavs or Hokies playing particularly well in 2023. The hot Virginia team was actually the James Madison. They went 11-2 on the season.
VanVaklenburg made an interesting declaration.
“People are still gambling on Virginia athletes legally when they gamble on other teams,” VanValkenburg said.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
