The House of Delegates panel voted 5-3 on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, to reject a proposal to allow large cruise ships to activate their casinos in Virginia waters.
Proponents of the bill
Those who argued for the bill said it would help invite more cruise ship activity, bringing revenue and tourism to the Hampton Roads area. Delegate Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News who submitted House Bill 1478 explained:
“This bill was written to exclude any riverboat-style casinos or booze cruises. It is for large ships that weigh over 50,000 tons, with at least 2,000 passengers on overnight voyages.”
Cruise ships stopping in Virginia would be required to pay the state a $50,000 annual fee for local casino privileges. Vessels traveling through Virginia waters without stopping would have to pay $125,000 annually.
Former Senator Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach and Norfolk, said:
“I think if we throw out the welcome mat we could start up a new cruise industry that we haven’t seen before.”
Wagner said the bill would help bring more attention to Virginia’s Historic Triangle area and attractions like Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.