MGM and Rush Street See a Winning Hand in Virginia for 2027

^{MGM and Rush Street Interactive see Virginia as a near-term opportunity for iGaming expansion. (Image: James Guill / ChatGPT)}

Two major gambling operators are looking toward Virginia as a potential online casino expansion market in 2027 after state lawmakers came close to legalizing the industry earlier this year.

Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz and MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle both expressed optimism about Virginia during their respective third-quarter earnings calls on Oct. 28.

Their comments come after online casino legislation advanced through both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly in 2026 but failed when lawmakers couldn't agree on a final version. Lawmakers return to Richmond in January, but a shorter legislative session could complicate matters.

Rush Street Interactive Sees Virginia as a Near-Term Opportunity

During Rush Street Interactive's third-quarter earnings call, CEO Richard Schwartz highlighted Virginia as a potential new market for regulated iGaming. "Virginia is a really exciting near-term opportunity heading into 2027," Schwartz said.

He pointed to the progress made during the 2026 legislative session, when bills advanced through the House and Senate but failed to reach a final compromise. "We're expecting that to resume in 2027," Schwartz said.

Virginia wasn't the only potential online casino market Schwartz discussed. He also identified Ohio, Indiana, Washington, D.C., Illinois, and New York as jurisdictions worth watching, although their legislative circumstances differ.

If Virginia regulates online gambling, RSI will certainly partner with Rivers Casino in Portsmouth. They already operate the casino’s online sportsbook, so adding its online casino products is the next logical step.

MGM Resorts Also Expresses Optimism About Virginia

MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle offered a similar outlook during his company's third-quarter earnings call. Asked whether 2027 could bring online casino legalization to the Mid-Atlantic region, Hornbuckle pointed to Virginia's legislative progress and ongoing discussions about legalization in Maryland.

"Virginia came very close," Hornbuckle said. He also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future legislation. "That doesn't mean it happens," Hornbuckle said.

Hornbuckle cited Michigan as an example when discussing whether online casino gambling benefits or takes business away from traditional casinos. If Virginia were to regulate online gambling, MGM would likely partner with the Norfolk casino project because of its existing relationship with Boyd Gaming.

Virginia Online Casino Bills Fell Short in 2026

Virginia lawmakers made significant progress toward legalizing online casinos during the 2026 General Assembly session. House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 both advanced through their respective chambers.

The proposals would have regulated online casinos under the Virginia Lottery Board. They included a 20% tax on adjusted gross online gaming revenue, with portions allocated to public education and problem gambling programs.

However, the House and Senate approved different versions of the legislation. Lawmakers appointed a conference committee to resolve the differences, but the session ended without a final agreement. The main issues that stalled a final bill centered on tax revenue distributions and protections for land-based casinos.

A Shorter 2027 Session Could Complicate Legalization

Virginia lawmakers are scheduled to return for the 2027 General Assembly session on Jan. 13. However, next year's regular session is expected to last about 45 days, compared with the 60-day session in 2026, giving legislators less time to negotiate proposals.

The progress made in 2026 gives supporters a foundation for renewed negotiations. Both chambers demonstrated a willingness to consider legalization, even though they couldn't agree on the final details.

For Rush Street Interactive and MGM Resorts, that progress is enough to put Virginia on their short-term radar. Personally, I have Virginia as my next candidate to regulate online gambling, and likely ban sweepstakes casinos. The question now is whether lawmakers can get legislation over the finish line in the shortened session.