Virginia Skill Games Bill in Peril amid Opposition from Gov. Youngkin

Virginia’s skill games bill is facing an uphill battle as lawmakers seem reluctant to support the measure because of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s absolute stance on the matter.

Skill Games Are a Point of Contention in the State

Skill games, for context, are gray market machines similar to slots. Whereas slots have fixed paylines, however, skill games have players pick the paylines, which industry proponents argue constitutes an element of skill.

As a result, skill games are not officially considered gambling, although their inherent similarities to casino games have been pointed out by many casino industry stakeholders, regulators and critics. Since skill games do not fall under the same regulatory framework, shops across the state have offered them without abiding by the usual regulations for slots.

People have been divided as to what has to be done about these games. While some have suggested regulating and taxing such products, others, including Governor Youngkin, have remained firmly opposed to legitimizing the sector.

Senator Christie Craig, the sponsor of House Bill 1323 is among the former.

The Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act Would Regulate Skill Games

Craig’s bill would enact The Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act, which would regulate skill games and fine operators who violate the legal framework. Craig argues that this would help small businesses that rely on skill games while still allowing the state to profit from taxes and a regulated market.

She emphasized that many people, including herself, want skill games to be fairly taxed, regulated and enforced. Under her bill, the lottery, truck stops and Alcoholic Beverage Control-licensed establishments will be allowed to offer skill games, as long as they pay an annual licensing fee and a flat monthly tax per machine.

Operators would also be required to compile monthly reports, allowing Virginia to oversee how the sector develops. They will also be required to have their machines tested by independent labs, ensuring that the games are fair.

Additional measures would be regulations against excessive ATM fees, as well as safer gambling and age requirements to play.

The Bill Faces Gov. Youngkin’s Scrutiny

Craig’s bill just passed the General Laws and Technology Committee and moved to the Finance and Appropriations Committee. Unfortunately, getting it past the Senate chamber would be an uphill battle.

With a second legislative session on their hands, Senators might be unwilling to risk betting on a bill that Gov. Youngkin would oppose. The governor already vetoed a skill gaming legislation last year and reiterated his opposition to such games and businesses.

Youngkin, however, does support the creation of a Virginia Gaming Commission that would bring gambling regulation under the same umbrella. In a recent statement, he urged other lawmakers to focus on passing SB 1287 and creating a world-class regulator.