In a bit of a surprise, Virginia legislators came to an agreement on a bill (Senate Bill 212) to reverse the state’s ban on slot-like skill games with days to spare in the state’s legislative session. The bill now heads to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk.

Youngkin previously suggested he had concerns about the legislation, but it’s unclear if the latest version of the bill will be to his liking.

If Youngkin approves the legislation, it will regulate the skill games, which are often found in convenience stores and restaurants across the state. Some small businesses owners pushed strongly for lawmakers to regulate the industry in this session, as the games provide an additional revenue stream.

The games would be taxed at 25%, and localities would be allowed to ban the machines in their area or hold a referendum to allow them. Customers need to be 21 years or older to play the games, although opponents of the bill have questioned how businesses will consistently verify the age of players.

Virginia’s gambling industry

The introduction of regulated skill games would offer Virginians an additional form of gambling entertainment. Currently, the state allows for sports betting (retail and online) and brick-and-mortar casino gambling.

There are three casinos currently operational in Virginia.

Online casinos are not legal in Virginia, and there hasn’t been an effort to legalize mobile casino apps during this year’s legislative session. The session ends on Saturday, so any possible online casino consideration will have to wait at least another year.

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