On April 30th, Virginia became the second state this year to legalize sports betting. Not only that, but Virginia also became the second jurisdiction, after Washington, DC, to fully adopt the Sports Bettors Bill of Rights, making it the most consumer-friendly legal marketplace in the country. Effective July 1, 2020, sports bettors in Virginia will be guaranteed the rights to integrity and transparency, data privacy, self-exclusion, protection of the vulnerable, and recourse. 

"SFC commends the Virginia House of Delegates, the Senate, and Governor Northam for taking such a measured approach to the legalization of sports betting. Too often states have raced to legalize, however, not Virginia. Virginia took its time, consulted with experts, and by doing so has created the safest marketplace for sports bettors in the country," said Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. "SFC would like especially thank Delegate Marcus Simon for championing the consumer the entire step of the way. He has definitely lived up to his title of Most Valuable Policymaker."

Sports Fans Coalition will continue to work with state legislatures across the country to better protect fans as more states look to legalize sports betting.