Virginia Skill Game Bill Faces Long Odds as Gov. Youngkin Pledges Veto on Slot Machines

Virginia Skill Game Bill Faces Long Odds as Gov. Youngkin Pledges Veto on Slot Machines. As legislators in Richmond debate the future of gaming, new legislation has been introduced to the General Assembly to establish a formal regulatory framework for controversial skill-based devices. This move aims to provide a legal footing for machines that mirror the mechanics of traditional slot machines, finally bringing these popular electronic games under a structured and supervised legal umbrella in Virginia.

Skill games in Virginia have been powered down since October 2023. Legislation in 2025 to turn the controversial gaming machines back on faces long odds. (Image: NBC10)

The Current State of Skill Games in Virginia

Virginia Sen. Christie Craig (R-Chesapeake) is the chief patron of House Bill 1323. The Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act would establish regulations governing the gray games and provide penalties for noncompliant operations.

Craig says skill games should return to help the many small businesses throughout the commonwealth that had housed the machines until the Virginia Supreme Court in October 2023 overturned a circuit court judge’s injunction that had allowed the Queen of Virginia devices to remain operating after lawmakers banned the machines effective July 1, 2021.

The Proposed Legislation

This is a long time coming. This bill is about gaming and regulation. We want [skill games] taxed, regulated, and enforced,” said Craig.

On Wednesday, HB1323 passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on a 9-6 vote. It has since moved to the Finance and Appropriations Committee.

The Proposed Regulations

Craig’s bill recommends allowing Virginia truck stops, businesses holding licenses from the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority, and Virginia Lottery retailers to place skill games inside their premises.

Truck stops and ABC establishments would be permitted to house up to seven electronic gaming devices. Lottery retailers would be permitted three. Truck stops would need to pay the state an annual fee of $2,500 for the skill gaming privileges. Lottery vendors and ABC facilities would pay an annual fee of $1,000. Each gaming machine would require a flat monthly tax of $1,200. The state would still see how much money is being bet on the devices, as Craig’s statute would require host locations to submit a monthly wagering report for each terminal.

Consumer Protections

The manufacturers and distributors of the electronic terminals would pay a $250K annual license and be on the hook to ensure that the games have consumer protections such as fair play and a maximum wager of $5. Each machine must be independently tested, meaning no manufacturer, operator, distributor, or host location would be permitted to have any ownership interest in any independent testing laboratory.

Problem Gambling Prevention

HB1323 would also require host locations to train employees to detect problem gambling and age verification. Craig wants to ban anyone under 21 from playing.

The bill would also prohibit excessive ATM fees. At least one sign would need to be posted “in a conspicuous location at the entrance of any gaming area” informing customers that only those aged 21 and older may play. The sign must also display a toll-free problem gambling number approved by the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling.

Long Odds for Passage

Craig’s bill likely won’t see much support in the Senate chamber should it clear the Finance and Appropriations Committee. With 2025 being a short session running only 30 days, lawmakers are unwilling to spend much time on legislation facing uphill battles.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed skill gaming legislation last year after the General Assembly reached a compromise on returning the games to small businesses. In 2025, Youngkin has doubled down on his anti-skill gaming position.

Alternative Regulation Proposal

Youngkin does support forming a state gaming commission to regulate casinos, sports betting, parimutuel wagering, and historical horse racing machines. Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) has filed legislation to do just that.

Reeves’ Senate Bill 1287 has passed the General Laws and Technology Committee and is being reviewed in the Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Conclusion

The Skill Game Bill is facing long odds of passage, but it remains a crucial step towards regulating the controversial gaming machines in Virginia. As the debate continues, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of such legislation and how it might impact small businesses and consumers alike. With the current political climate favoring anti-skill gaming sentiments, it’s uncertain whether the bill will ultimately prevail.

Related guide: Play Now