Authorities in a Virginia county have ordered operators of unlicensed so-called “skill games” to cease operation in 15 days or face jail time. The unregulated games, which claim skill improves player chances, were banned in the state as of July 1, after being temporarily legalized to provide tax revenue during the pandemic.
The ban was lifted via a temporary injunction that expires May 18, but that injunction applies only to liquor-licensed locations regulated by the state Alcohol Beverage Control agency. It does not apply to unregulated games operating in gas stations, convenience stores and other locations.
Bryan Haskins, the commonwealth’s attorney for Pittsylvania County, sent a letter to all known operators of the machines, ordering the machines be shut down in 15 days. Any operators who don’t comply could be subject to a class 6 felony, which is punishable by one to 10 years of jail time and up to a $20,000 fine. They could also be subject to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each gambling device.
“It appears that many people believe that any machine, whether a ‘skill game’ or other machine which is also deemed an ‘illegal gambling device,’ are allowed to operate in Virginia. This is simply not the case,” wrote Haskins.
