Virginia Advances Bill to Legalize Regulated Skill Games
Virginia lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 661 to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk, reviving the prospect of regulated “skill games” in convenience stores, bars and gas stations.
Key Takeaways:
- Virginia lawmakers push to legalize skill games in convenience stores, bars, and gas stations
- Proposed regulation limits wagers, prizes, and oversight by Virginia Lottery Board
- Industry concerns over unclear payout standards amid legal and political debates
The bill would allow up to 25,000 terminals statewide, cap wagers at $5 per play and bar prizes exceeding $4,000.
Regulation would sit with the Virginia Lottery Board, which must exclude locations within 10 miles of casinos and oversee a 25% tax on revenue, with most proceeds directed to the General Fund and smaller shares to local distribution and problem-gambling programs.
Industry observers warn the bill lacks mandated minimum payout standards that typically govern slot-type devices, leaving return-to-player levels unspecified.
A long journey
The measure arrives against a backdrop of litigation and prior executive action. The Virginia Supreme Court has said gambling is conduct subject to significant regulation by the state, a legal finding that precipitated a 2021 ban and subsequent court challenges. Previous attempts to legalize skill games met vetoes and strict amendment proposals, including calls for higher taxation and stronger location restrictions, underscoring ongoing political debate.
