# Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-834: Prohibited activities; penalties

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-834

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-834
- **Heading:** Prohibited activities; penalties
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 54.1 / Subtitle II / Chapter 8.1 / Section 54.1-834

## Text

A. No betting or wagering shall be permitted at an event or exhibition bout before, during, or after the event in the building where the event is held.

B. No person shall participate in a sham or fake boxing or martial arts contest. The Department shall have the authority to order, without a hearing, the person controlling the purse to hold the distribution to contestants, promoters, and trainers pending a public hearing by the Department. The Department shall, simultaneously with the issuance of such order to retain the share or purse, institute proceedings for a hearing to determine whether a sham or fake boxing or martial arts contest has occurred.

C. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to violate this section or any statute or regulation governing the persons or activities regulated pursuant to this chapter.

D. The third or any subsequent conviction for violating any provision of this section during a 36-month period shall constitute a Class 6 felony.

1998, c. 895 ; 2015, cc. 216 , 264 ; 2016, c. 756 ; 2025, cc. 95 , 111 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-828 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-828.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-829 Authorization from Director required; bond; physical examination; emergency medical services vehicles; physician; health insurance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-829.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-829.1 Sanctioning organization; amateur martial arts events](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-829.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-830 Exemptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-830.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-831 Powers and duties of the Department](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-831.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-831.01 Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-831.01.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-831.1 Summary suspension of boxing license](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-831.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-832 Director authorized to contract for certain services; award of contract; authority when no contract is in effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-832.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-833 Reports; cable television systems; fee on receipts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-833.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-834 Prohibited activities; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-834.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-835 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-835.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SII_C8.1_S54.1-834. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.