Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 579: Illegal gambling; online sweepstakes games, civil penalty.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 579 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Illegal gambling; online sweepstakes games, civil penalty. Primary sponsor: Bryce Reeves (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 11, 2026): Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (14-Y 1-N).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Illegal gambling; online sweepstakes games; civil penalty. Includes the (i) operating, conducting, or promoting of any online sweepstakes games and (ii) supporting or assisting in the operating, conducting, or promoting of any online sweepstakes game in the definition of "illegal gambling." The bill defines an "online sweepstakes game" as any game, contest, or promotion in which a prize is awarded based on chance that (a) is available on the internet and accessible on a mobile phone, computer, or similar device; (b) utilizes a dual currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent; and (c) simulates casino-style gaming, including slot machines, video poker, table games, lottery games, and sports betting. Persons who operate, conduct, or promote online sweepstakes games or take any action to support or assist in the operation, conduct, or promotion of online sweepstakes games shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 per violation. The bill contains technical amendments.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Reeves | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 28 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (14-Y 1-N)
- Senate committee offered
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB579)
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101625D