In late 2023, a court ruling led to increased enforcement of a skill game ban across Virginia.

After small business outcry following the heavier enforcement, a series of state lawmakers began the 2024 legislative session by introducing bills that would legalize the slot-like skill games that are commonly seen in convenience stores and bars in Virginia. 

Pushing that legislation forward has proven to be tricky. 

Roadblocks abundant

Legislation recently hit a roadblock in the House, as the original version of the bill was criticized for lacking protections.

Senate Bill 212, which also seeks to legalize skill games, has the backing of Sen. Louise Lucas, President Pro Tempore of the Virginia Senate. That bill, which includes a revised tax rate of 22% and allows for a maximum of 15,000 skill machines in the state, recently made its way through a pair of Senate committees. 

The bill was questioned Thursday by Sen. Jeremy McPike in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. McPike wanted to know if the bill included protections for self-excluded gamblers, which it does not. He voted no as a result, but says he supports the overall measure and just wants to see better protections for the state’s gamblers. Despite McPike’s objections, the bill moved forward with a vote of 11-4. 

Questions about protecting gamblers in the state will likely need to be answered if the legislative effort is to be successful this session. The state’s session goes through March 9, and the crossover deadline is Feb. 13. 

Virginia allows for legal sports betting and brick-and-mortar casino gaming, but skill games and online casinos are currently prohibited.

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