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Committee backs study and amends sports-wagering evaluation measure

House Ways and Means Committee · March 21, 2026

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Summary

House Bill 16 12, requiring independent evaluation of sports-wagering content, was amended so the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency will study independent evaluators and a second amendment repealed a prohibition on certain campaign contributions by video lottery operation applicants and licensees; the committee approved the bill as amended after questions about campaign contributions.

Delegate Patterson presented House Bill 16 12, which would require sports-wagering licensees or operators that advertise in the state to contract with a licensed independent evaluator to assess wagering content, experts, influencers and partners. He said two amendments were offered: one to require the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency to study independent evaluators and report on the matter, and a second to repeal a prohibition on certain campaign contributions by applicants for and holders of video lottery operation licenses and their owners.

"The bill requires a sports wagering licensee or sports wagering operator that advertises in the state to contract with a licensed independent evaluator to evaluate the entity's sports wagering content ... and partners," Delegate Patterson said.

Delegate Vogel asked whether the second amendment would allow operators to make political contributions. Patterson confirmed the amendment repeals that prohibition with respect to certain campaign contributions by applicants and holders of video lottery operation licenses and their owners.

Both amendments were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the committee then moved the bill favorable with amendments and Chair Wilkins announced the ayes carried. The transcript records no named opponents for HB 16 12.

Next steps: House Bill 16 12 advances from committee with amendments directing an agency study and altering campaign-contribution prohibitions for certain license applicants and holders as specified in the amendment language.