RICHMOND, Va. — The HB 374 casino bill went before the Virginia House Appropriations Committee on Friday night and passed by a vote of 17-4.

The Senate floor will take up the bill on Monday, and the House will do the same on Tuesday.

If there are differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill, a committee of conference is created to resolve them.

The main difference between the two casino bills is the tax rate. The Senate version is asking for a higher rate. There is also a debate going on about the license fee.

All work on the bills has to be completed by midnight on Tuesday.

The bill would legalize casino gambling in five cities, including Bristol, in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The cities have to meet criteria listed in the bill, and the city must pass a referendum to allow casino gambling in their city.

https://wcyb.com/news/local/virginia-casino-bill-passes-appropriations-committee-now-goes-to-va-house-senate-floor