The Gaming Enforcement Unit’s (GEU) mission is to preserve the integrity of gaming activities in the Commonwealth of Virginia through effective criminal investigation and enforcement, in partnership with the agencies responsible for regulating and licensing gaming activities.
Established in 2024, the GEU is a statewide unit dedicated to the criminal investigation of illegal and unlawful gaming activity. The unit synchronizes enforcement efforts across state and local agencies and serves as a liaison to federal law enforcement, working to promote equitable enforcement of gaming laws throughout the Commonwealth.
The GEU investigates criminal violations connected to casino gaming, online sports wagering, charitable gaming, racing and pari-mutuel wagering, and illegal gambling, along with associated fraud and organized criminal activity. The unit’s authority is strictly criminal in nature, gaming regulation and oversight lies with the Virginia Lottery, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Virginia Racing Commission.
Beyond investigations, the GEU aids local law enforcement and Commonwealth’s Attorneys on gaming-related criminal matters. The GEU offers a tip-line for members of the public to report concerns about suspected illegal gambling activities within the Commonwealth.
How To Report
To report suspected illegal gambling, please submit the information using one of the three reporting methods below. Please note, while your tip may be anonymous, the Virginia State Police may require additional information to complete its investigation. A lack of contact information may impede our ability to conduct a thorough inquiry into any alleged criminal activity.
Please do not use the tip-line to report emergencies or requests that require immediate law enforcement response. In an emergency, always call 911.
Text: Text “VSPGaming” followed by your tip-information to 847411. Messages are anonymous.
Online: Submit a Tip Online. Messages are anonymous.
Phone: (833) 889-2300
Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the confidential and toll-free helpline at (888) 532-3500 or Text “1-800-MY-RESET” (1-800-697-3738).
Other resources include:
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Problem Gambling Support: dbhds.virginia.gov/problem-gambling-support/ - Virginia Council on Problem Gambling: www.vcpg.net.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
When participating in gambling activities, the GEU reminds players to do so responsibly. Please visit responsibleplay.org for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered “gambling” under Virginia law?
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-325, illegal gambling is the making, placing, or receiving of any bet or wager of money or other consideration, in exchange for a chance to win a prize or other thing of value, where the outcome of the underlying game, contest, or event is uncertain or a matter of chance. Activity that falls within this definition is unlawful unless it is specifically authorized and regulated by the Commonwealth, such as licensed casino gaming, sports wagering, lottery, charitable gaming, horse racing or pari-mutuel wagering.
Are skill gaming machines legal in Virginia?
No. Skill gaming machines are currently prohibited. Virginia Code § 18.2-325 expressly includes “the playing or offering for play of any skill game” within its definition of illegal gambling.
Who regulates gambling in Virginia?
Gambling regulation is divided between three state agencies. The Virginia Lottery regulates casinos, fantasy contests, online sports betting and the lottery; the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs regulates charitable gaming; and the Virginia Racing Commission regulates horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering.
Where can I find a list of licensed and approved casinos and online sports betting operators in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery maintains a current list at valottery.com/aboutus/casinosandsportsbetting.
I have a complaint about a casino or sports betting operator, who do I contact?
Patron complaints regarding a casino should be directed to casino management and/or Virginia Lottery Casino Compliance staff located at the casino. Complaints regarding an online sports betting operator can be filed at valottery.com/aboutus/casinosandsportsbetting/sportsbetting/fileacomplaint.
What is charitable gaming?
Charitable gaming means raffles, Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, bingo, instant bingo or pull tabs, electronic gaming, and other games of chance explicitly authorized by §18.2-340.15 et seq.
Who can conduct charitable gaming?
Charitable gaming is permitted in the Commonwealth as a means of funding qualified organizations. Qualified organizations are any organization to which a valid permit has been issued by VDACS to conduct charitable gaming or any organization that is exempt pursuant to §18.2-340.23. Definitions of organizations can be found in Virginia Code §18.2-340.16. For additional information call (804) 786-1343.
Where can I make a complaint or find information about charitable gaming?
To make a complaint regarding charitable gaming, call 804-371-0498. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs (VDACS OCRP) maintains charitable gaming information at vdacs.virginia.gov/food-charitable-gaming.shtml.
Where can I find information about horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Virginia?
The Virginia Racing Commission’s website is vrc.virginia.gov.
How can I voluntarily exclude myself from participating in certain legalized gambling in Virginia?
The Virginia Lottery has instituted a self-help program for individuals that wish to voluntarily exclude themselves from Virginia casino gaming establishments, sports betting, account-based lottery as well as gaming activities administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs and the Virginia Racing Commission. Please visit valottery.com/playingmatters/voluntaryexclusionprogram for more information.