For several years, Virginia has battled an onslaught of illegal neighborhood slot machines in all corners of the Commonwealth. These so-called skill games frequently target low-income communities, preying on Virginians with the least to lose.
While proponents of “skill” games make empty claims about how these machines uplift and support small businesses, we’ve experienced the truth: “skill” games attract crime to our neighborhoods and expose our children to addictive gambling.
JUST RECENTLY, the biggest developer of Virginia’s neighborhood slot machines was found partially liable in a wrongful death case after a store clerk was shot dead by a disgruntled “skill” game player who returned to the store, armed, in an attempt to steal money from the machine.
Virginia deserves better than a predatory operator who plays fast and loose with public safety and puts the well-being of our most vulnerable communities at risk.
During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers should focus on kitchen-table issues like affordability and economic opportunity – not advancing the agenda of a predatory, illegal gambling operator.
If you agree that Virginia lawmakers should keep and strengthen Virginia’s ban on “skill” games, sign the petition below.