By Steve Haner,

It appears that the 2026 Virginia General Assembly will try to balance the budget of the state by imposing a 10% tax on sports fantasy game players throughout the Commonwealth.

You think you’ve seen it all, but then another surprise pops up. Who knew Virginia has required registration for sports fantasy game operators since 2016 (those who offer prize money)? The proposed legislation would take this to the next level by requiring full-scale regulation and heavy taxes.

It is Senate Bill 129 filed by Senator Adam Ebbin (now leaving, it appears) D-Alexandria. Ebbin will be leaving the Senate at some point during this session, to accept a full-time position with Abigail Spanberger as Governor. But someone else will take up this bill. A 10% tax on gross revenues from these games could generate a lot of revenue.

A modest registration fee for agencies is replaced by a $50,000 mandatory license fee. Operators will pass this on to their customers. The bill seems to be aimed at sports fantasy games but it is broad enough to allow for expansion. Are there Dungeons & Dragons tournaments that are organized for money? The government becomes very greedy once dollars are involved.

It looks like the same laws and regulations that are already in place to prevent competition. List of registered firms in Virginia are dominated by large gaming companies that also heavily engage in direct sports betting, which is already regulated by the state. The bill passes, and the entry fee alone will keep them in their comfort zone. However, the criminal sanctions included for those who are not licensed will also add to that.

It is up to those who are more concerned about it than me to fight the battle. The first step is to let them know that the bill will be coming. Readers, please share this article. This rule is still in effect as the tribes descend on Ninth Street to celebrate our annual festival celebrating greed and government intrusion: no one’s property, life or liberty are safe when the legislature meets.