Virginia Gov. ends skill games conversation for 2024

Article by : Charles Perrin May 22, 2024

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Skill gaming machines won’t be arriving at brick-and-mortar casinos in Virginia this year after the plug was pulled on that possibility.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin had been pushing for a bill that would have carved out some space for the gaming terminals commonly found in bars and convenience stores, but he has failed in his mission.

Youngkin saw his amended SB 212 sponsored by Sen. Aaron Rouse, flattened by the Senate, which posted a landslide result of 34-6.

Following the announcement of the decision, Youngkin decided to veto the bill, quashing any hopes that there may be a reversal.

Explaining his decision to veto SB 212, Youngkin said: “When it comes to additional gaming options, such as games of skill, we must proceed with a robust set of safeguards.

“I sent over a package of amendments which addressed my many concerns with the bill.”

In the amended bill, Youngkin proposed that operators would pay a $9,000 licensing fee, and then they would have to pay a 35% tax rate on gross receipts which would have been imposed by the Virginia Lottery.

Perhaps more intriguingly, Youngkin has vetoed more bills in 2024 (2021) than any other Virginia governor in the modern era.

As things stand, the status quo as of the 2023 Virginia Supreme Court ruling remains in place, but proponents may come back with a renewed push in 2025.

There is a possibility that the General Assembly could call for a summer session to reconsider skill games, but this seems like a remote possibility.

The death of SB 212 has been played out against the backdrop of a slump in casino revenues in the state, with revenues falling by as much as 7.7% for April.

While brick-and-mortar casinos will technically claim a legal victory, this won’t be the last we will hear about skill games.