Read This Update From March 2024:
Virginia lawmakers passed legislation early in March 2024 that would legalize skill games, the slots-like betting machines that proliferated in businesses around the state before an on-again, off-again ban took effect.
If signed by GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the bill would tax and regulate the machines, which are known as gray machines because of the cloudy area of the law in which they previously operated.
The legislation was supported by skill game developer Pace-O-Matic and business owners who have housed the games and shared profits. Even those against the machines say they were moved by the testimony of the businesses, who said the machines had been a financial savior for their restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations, especially during the covid pandemic.
On November 15th 2023 skill based game machines in Virginia are “banned” (again). This means possessing, operating, or even playing the games is officially considered criminal activity in the state of Virginia.
The “slot-like” machines can be found across Virginia in convenience stores, gas stations, tobacco stores, restaurants and bars. There are many gaming “skill games” in the Roanoke and Vinton area. Vinton is also home to Rosie’s Gaming Emporium which is not affected by the ban. Rosie’s, offers slots-like games whose outcomes are based on results of historic horse races (HHR), Casinos are regulated by the Virginia Lottery while the Rosie’s games are regulated by the Virginia Racing Commission. Rosie’s games are not illegal and their operation will carry on as usual.
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly enacted laws that say these “Gret Area” slot-like gaming machines and games to be illegal gambling devices. A lawsuit was filed in Emporia Circuit Court challenging the skill games ban, however, and the court entered an injunction.
There will be a trial in December 2023 to decide the fate of the gaming machines in Virginia that are affected by the ban.
This ban may be overturned and the games may be turned back on after court date set in Dec.
These machines that they have in stores should not be of any concern to the casinos that are brought around here ,it just there way of trying to gain funds for themselves and no one want to travel 2 or 3 hours just to lose alit of money ,so they need to leave the small business people’s alone..
If Viginia found a way to get paid in taxes, the machines would still be allowed. It’s also affecting Virginia lottery with less revenue coming in.
If you’re going to text them then text him I live close to 3 7-Elevens which are walking distance and I’m 65 years old and I like them better than I do Rosie’s and Rosie’s I never hit nothing on the skill games I do well and plus I don’t have to drive if I don’t want to
I think it not any reason why the slope machine should not be in the store it give people something to do when it is boring at home you can go to the store and play the slop machine and it not far for you to drive I hope the court give the store right to play’s slops in the store
All they want is for us to go to the gambling casinos. We’re wasting money in stores. With the casino opening in Danville, they want your money!
They want you to spend your money in the gambling casinos & not in stores.
I think that’s crazy in today’s world. The business owners probably need that extra income to survive. Why would you take that away from them. You have so many restrictions now. Virginia is way behind the times.
Turn the gaming machines back on. Know different then playing the games online are the va lottery.
If we cant get a casino why would we need need to have those slots in here they just take money from the poor and little money the casino will let people have a good living working taking they family would have insurance. I really havr more say. Mip
They can keep building casinos, but heaven forbid a mom and pop store making a few dollars off of similar gaming machines.
No gaming machines! No casino no gaming machines
I think they should let people make their own decisions if they want to play or not. They are not hurting nobody because if you want to play them you go somewhere else.
I think it’s wrong when are citizens of Va. Needs to stand upl for their rights.
I have noticed a big decline in revenue since the ban has been reinstated and small business owners struggling to keep their doors open. I personally feel the games should be turned back on and something worked out between store owners and the politicians of VA so the residents of this state can spend their money as they want. The general assembly should listen to the people and the people are saying turn the skill games back on.
The trial was thrown out by a judge for dec. Currently the band will stay in effect unless the law is changed.
It’s funny how the games at Rosie’s are “LEGAL” but yet every mom and pops c store games are”ILLEGAL”. Same exact machines used but it’s OK for Rosies to continue on. What a sham allowing one to continue and one not.
So our government ok’s corporate gambling halls but declares the same gambling machines illegal for other commercial businesses. Gambling is either legal or illegal. Make up your mind Virginia!
The whole problem is the state isn’t getting any taxes from the machines, so they want to ban them. If they were able to tax winnings they would stop bothering something that’s not costing them 1 cent! They should’ve allowed the casino and got some real money! Greed is so BLIND!!!
If you shut down those machines then why not shut down Virginia lottery, gambling is gambling.
Typical political favoritism for Rosie’s and that ilk over local retail establishments. It just wrong as it is another prime example of violating the Constitution’s equal treatment clause.
Hello, I find Skill gaming slots machines to be comfort when your bored, don’t have anything to do . I go to play the slot to pass away time, meet people, get a laugh in and win some money or lose some. Now there’s nothing to do with our time but catch a nap. If I lose , no one made me play.
I vote to turn the Skill gaming machine back on Virginia.
I LOVE THE GAMES AT 7-11 NEED TO PUT THEM BACK ON I CAN WALK THERE EVERYBODY DON’T DRIVE DON’T LIKE RIVERS GO ON BUS TRIPS TO CASIINO PUT THEM BACK ON