Sen. Ebbin’s fantasy contest reform bill passes both chambers of Virginia legislature

A bill proposed by State Sen. Adam P. Ebbin seeks to revamp fantasy contest regulations by launching a new permitting framework, expanding oversight, and directing tax revenue to programs supporting those affected by problem gambling, according to the Virginia State Senate.

The measure passed both houses and was officially enrolled as of March 30, 2026, receiving a 91-7 vote in the House and passing in the Senate with a 29-10 margin.

Brought forward as SB129 on Jan. 14, 2026, in the 2026 regular session, state legislative documents summarized it as follows: “Fantasy contests; regulation and taxation, civil penalty, repeals Fantasy Contests Act.”

Our summary below—drawn from the bill text—clarifies and interprets its main provisions.

The legislation replaces registration with a 3-year permit system, increases application and related fees, and sets new demands for operator disclosures, including strengthened standards for problem gambling programs and age checks. The bill mandates yearly independent financial and compliance reviews, details grounds for permit denial and revocation, and prohibits suggesting state support. A 10% tax is levied on fantasy contest revenue, with 5% of the proceeds and specified permit fees allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund; remaining tax revenue goes to the general fund. It also excludes legal fantasy contests from certain contract statutes, updates public records exemptions, and lets current registrants operate temporarily if they seek permits within 90 days once the law is in effect.

The House saw 63 Democrats and 28 Republicans support the measure, while seven Republicans opposed.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats and eight Republicans voted in favor, while 10 Republicans voted against it.

The legislation lists Sen. Adam P. Ebbin (Democrat-39th District) and Sen. Jeremy S. McPike (Democrat-29th District) as sponsors.

Ebbin earned his BA from American University in 1985.

Ebbin, a Democrat, joined the Virginia State Senate in 2024, succeeding George Barker as senator for the 39th district.

The legislative process in Virginia starts with bill introduction in either legislative chamber, assignment to relevant committees for review and possible revision, and advancement to chamber votes if approved by committee. Measures that pass both chambers go to the governor, who may sign, veto, or allow a bill to become law with no signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets annually for regular session starting the second Monday of January, considering hundreds of bills each session while only enacting some into law.

Information in this article was obtained from the Virginia State Senate. The source data can be found here.