Gov. Youngkin Should Support Virginians’ Well-Being And Veto SB 212 

 As Virginia anxiously awaits action from Governor Youngkin on a host of bills following the legislative session, one bill stands out in particular: SB 212. This bill threatens to unleash a wave of convenience store slot machines across the commonwealth, posing significant risks to our communities. I urge Governor Youngkin to exercise his authority to veto this bill. 

In my three decades of experience in legislative decision-making in Congress, and as the lead sponsor of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission legislation, I’ve learned a thing or two about good policy and bad policy, especially when it comes to gambling. The deceptively named “skills game” legislation on Governor Youngkin’s desk is one of the clearest instances of bad policy that should never have made it this far in the legislative process. This bill would be a terrible thing for Virginia, particularly for our lower-income communities and our children. 

For years previously, Virginia lawmakers have made the deliberate choice to maintain a ban on convenience store slots, recognizing the inherent dangers that they pose to residents. These decisions were rooted in a deep understanding of the risks associated with these deceptive devices. Despite this, and after allowing these machines for a brief stint during the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent shift in the General Assembly’s stance demands a vocal response from opponents to remind lawmakers of the perils of such a reversal.