Skill Games Could Make a Return in Virginia as SB 611 Reaches Governor’s Desk

Skill games could make a triumphant return in Virginia as lawmakers have advanced a measure that would see up to 25,000 machines installed across the state. However, experts seem concerned that the current version of the bill doesn’t outline any return-to-player (RTP/payout) requirements.

SB 611 Could See Skill Games Return to the Old Dominion

As Virginia’s legislative session drew to a close, lawmakers advanced several bills, including a bill that would allow skill games once again. Senate Bill 611 seeks to allow such terminals to return to small businesses across the Commonwealth, including convenience stores, gas stations, and bars, among others.

Skill games were initially permitted after the COVID pandemic to allow small businesses to make up for some of the money they lost due to the pandemic. Now, lawmakers seek to allow these games again, as the measure secured the necessary approvals to head to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk.

The governor previously indicated that she would consider expanding the gaming sector, meaning that SB 611 could end up being passed into law. In addition to that, Spanberger will also need to consider a bill seeking to allow a Fairfax County casino.

The Bill Does Not Have Minimum Payout Requirements

It should be noted that the version that was approved does not include a minimum RTP requirement, sparking certain concerns among industry experts. For context, most casino games are required to follow certain minimal payout rules. In Virginia, slot machines must theoretically pay back at least 84% of what players wagered. However, skill games will have to follow no such requirements, at least under the framework outlined in SB 611.

Still, skill games will not allow wagers of more than $5 per spin and will be prohibited from offering prizes of over $4,000.

Additional details of the bill state that skill games will be regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board, which is to allow a maximum of 25,000 terminals across the state. Additionally, the board must make sure that businesses within 10 miles of a casino are not allowed to host such games so as not to undermine traditional casinos.

In the meantime, skill game revenue will be taxed at 25%. Of this, 75% will be directed toward the General fund and 15% toward the Department of Taxation for local distribution. The remainder will be split between the Virginia Lottery Board, the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, and the Department of State police, which are set to receive 6.5%, 2.5%, and 1% of the tax money, respectively.