# Virginia HB2651: Charitable gaming; definition of poker events.

Virginia HB2651, Charitable gaming; definition of poker events., is a 2025 Regular Session House bill sponsored by Michael J. Jones (Democratic); status failed, last action 2025-02-05 (Left in General Laws) (as of 2026-10-17).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB2651-2025
- As of: 2026-10-17
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: Virginia HB2651
- State: Virginia
- Session: 2025 Regular Session
- Title: Charitable gaming; definition of poker events.
- Status: failed
- Chamber: House
- Introduced: 2025-01-14
- Last action: 2025-02-05, Left in General Laws
- Sponsor: Michael J. Jones (Democratic)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Subjects: General Laws
- Touches household money: no
- Roll calls: 1 (8 yes, 0 no in all)
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 0

## Summary

Charitable gaming; poker events. Defines poker event for the purposes of charitable gaming to mean a Texas Hold'em poker game or Texas Hold'em poker tournament in which (i) a schedule of fixed and variable fees for entry into the poker event and the number of chips received for such fees is established and posted; (ii) rebuys, reentries, and add-ons are permitted without limitation; (iii) chips with cash value are permitted to be used; (iv) games and tournaments may be run concurrently; (v) no limit applies to how many poker events occur during the time listed on the permit for such poker event; and (vi) a seating fee may be charged at a rate of up to $8 up to once every 30 minutes. The bill requires any qualified organization that conducts any poker event to use at least 20 percent of its poker adjusted gross receipts, defined in the bill, from the conduct of Texas Hold'em poker tournaments for (a) those lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized or (b) those expenses related to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or repair of any interest in real property involved in the operation of the organization and used for lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes. The bill also outlines certain specifics related to the conduct of poker events, including remuneration to operators and tips or gratuities paid to dealers and employees of such operators.

## Bill overview

No economic impacts identified for this bill.

## Sponsors and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Michael J. Jones (Democratic), House

## Roll call votes

| Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2025-01-28 | House | Subcommittee recommends striking from the docket | pass | 8 | 0 | 1 |

## Actions (6)

- 2025-02-05: Left in General Laws (House)
- 2025-01-28: Subcommittee recommends striking from the docket (8-Y 0-N) (House)
- 2025-01-27: Assigned GL sub: ABC/Gaming (House)
- 2025-01-17: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2651) (House)
- 2025-01-14: Referred to Committee on General Laws (House)
- 2025-01-14: Presented and ordered printed 25104035D (House)

## Bill text

- Introduced, 2025-01-14: [HTML](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1020483.HTML), [PDF](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1020482.PDF)

## Related bills

- HR671: Commending JR's Auto Care. (adopted)
- SB941: Robbery; use of air or gas operated weapon, etc., penalty. (failed)
- HB1746: Public safety officer; definition. (failed)
- HB1600: Budget Bill. (failed)
- SB1449: Data centers; site assessment for high energy use facility. (failed)
- HB1609: Essential health benefits benchmark plan; Commission to consider coverage for infertility treatment. (to governor)

## Sources
- [Introduced (HTML)](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1020483.HTML)
- [Introduced (PDF)](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1020482.PDF)

## Related
- [HR671: Commending JR's Auto Care.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HR671-2025)
- [SB941: Robbery; use of air or gas operated weapon, etc., penalty.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB941-2025)
- [HB1746: Public safety officer; definition.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1746-2025)
- [HB1600: Budget Bill.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1600-2025)
- [SB1449: Data centers; site assessment for high energy use facility.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1449-2025)
- [HB1609: Essential health benefits benchmark plan; Commission to consider coverage for i…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1609-2025)
- [Virginia bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/virginia/bills)
- [Virginia state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/virginia)
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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB2651-2025 (as of 2026-10-17).