A judge in Greensville, Virginia Circuit Court recently issued a temporary injunction blocking enforcement of the so-called skill-game ban, prohibiting certain electronic betting machines proliferating in convenience stores, bars and other locations around the state. The ban is on hold until a trial set for May, according to attorney and state Senator Bill Stanley, representing former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler whose truck stop and gas station company brought the lawsuit against Governor Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring and the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority.
In court documents, Sadler’s company argued the ban has caused confusion about what a “skill game” is. It also stated the ban is unconstitutional and has adversely impacted small businesses. Stanley said he and Sadler recently restarted the machines at company locations. “All we’ve ever wanted was to be treated fairly. This ruling gives us a feeling that we’re going to get that,” Sadler said.
In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly banned the machines but Governor Ralph Northam asked lawmakers to delay that for one year and instead tax the machines and use the revenue to help fund Covid-19 relief efforts. The ban took effect in July.
