The 411: Virginia’s Fight Against Illegal Neighborhood Slot Machines

As lawmakers return to Richmond for the start of the 2026 legislative session, gaming issues are once again taking center stage in the General Assembly. For years, special interests have pushed to expand gambling in Virginia, most notably through efforts to legalize so-called skill games. These devices remain illegal, yet continue to appear in gas stations, bars, and convenience stores all across the Commonwealth.

So, in case you’re new to the issue, here’s the skinny on the neighborhood slot machine industry’s checkered history in Virginia:

Research shows that this industry strategically places its machines in low-income and minority communities, targeting Virginians with the least to lose.
Despite self-proclaimed intentions to enter the Virginia market “through the front door,” neighborhood slot machine proponents have failed to support reasonable consumer protections, produced new games designed to circumvent Virginia law, and promoted confusion to keep Virginia storeowners unknowingly operating illegal machines and suffering the consequences.
Neighborhood slots also have a proven track record of attracting crime in the neighborhoods in which they operate:
- Virginia Skill Game Player Goes Berserk After Losing, Martinsville, Virginia
- Unregulated Gambling Operator Pace-O-Matic Found Liable For Convenience Store Attendant Robbery-Murder, Hazelton, Pennsylvania
- Arrest Made In Armed Robbery Of $271K From Pennsylvania Skill Game, Franklin, Pennsylvania

Luckily, Virginia localities, law enforcement, and local voices are taking action against the illegal proliferation of these predatory devices…

December 13, 2025 – The City of Alexandria includes support for clarifying that “skill” games are illegal and expanding state support for enforcement of the ban in its 2026 Legislative Package.
December 9, 2025 – The City of Winchester passes a resolution urging the General Assembly to uphold the ban on “skill” gaming machines and enforce measures that protect communities from their predatory nature.
November 24, 2025 – New Kent County includes opposition to the legalization of “skill” games in its 2026 Legislative Agenda.
October 10, 2025 – Manassas Park Police Department seizes 30 illegal “skill” machines.
October 6, 2025 – Alexandria Democrats passes a resolution calling for stronger enforcement against illegal “skill” games in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
August 11, 2025 – Alexandria makes the first indictments against businesses illegally operating “skill” games.
July 25, 2025 – Colonial Heights Police Department seizes dozens of illegal gaming machines and narcotics.
December 2, 2024 – Prince William County School Board includes opposition to “skill” games in its legislative priorities.

The facts are clear: Polling released ahead of the 2025 election found that opposition to neighborhood slot machines is at an all-time high, with 67 percent of Virginia voters, across political parties, opposing “skill” games.

Virginians are urging their representatives to stand with them and reject predatory operators who profit from confusion and target vulnerable communities.

Virginia deserves better. Lawmakers should be focused on affordability and opportunity this session, not advancing the agenda of illegal gambling interests.

Learn more about Virginians Against Neighborhood Slot Machines HERE.