WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: An Armed Robbery In Martinsville & A Manassas Park Raid Highlight Need For Enforcement Against Virginia’s Illegal Neighborhood Slots

A recent armed robbery in Martinsville and a major law enforcement raid in Manassas, where more than 30 illegal “skill” games were seized, remind Virginians of the dangers these machines pose to our communities and the need for strict enforcement against these illegal devices.

“Virginia Skill Game Player Goes Berserk After Losing, Faces Felony Charges”

A Martinsville man faces felony charges after violently vandalizing illegal slot machines at a local convenience store. After reportedly losing money, he returned armed with a gun and an angle grinder, terrifying staff as he held workers at gunpoint, demanding his money back before using the power tool to break into the machine.

“Police Seize 30 Gaming Machines in Manassas Park Raids”

Manassas Park Police seized more than 30 illegal gaming machines during coordinated raids at multiple businesses across the city. The operation followed citizen complaints and targeted machines found operating in gas stations, a strip mall, a pub and a private residence. This marks the first large-scale gambling enforcement operation in Manassas Park.

Elected officials commend law enforcement for stepping up and protecting Virginia communities from these neighborhood slot machines.

DELEGATE PAUL KRIZEK: “Excellent work by local law enforcement in Manassas Park!”

(X Social Post, October 10, 2025)

PRINCE WILLIAM SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN DR. BABUR LATEEF: “This is great work and should continue across the Commonwealth!”

(X Social Post, October 10, 2025)

The public and community organizations have had enough of these dangerous games.

VIRGINIA MOOSE LODGES: “Another day, another dangerous crime linked to illegal skill slot games in Virginia. How many more Virginians will be harmed before Virginia clamps down & prosecutes the distributors of illegal slots?”

(X Social Post, October 3, 2025)

VA ILLEGAL SLOTS: “This problem isn’t unique to Henry County. It’s happening ALL over VA. From Arlington to Lynchburg to Fredericksburg. We need enforcement.”

(X Social Post, October 3, 2025)

JANET S.: “These games don’t have the regulations and security that a casino has, you show ID into a place like Rosie’s. Some people will spend their last dime on those machines and borrow to keep playing, hoping for a dream win. Store employees can’t watch what they do and those machines too. I think stores are no place for them.”

(WSET Comment, October 3, 2025)

JACK W.: “It’s gotten out of hand.”

(X Social Post, October 6, 2025)

In a timely release, new polling from the American Gaming Association underscores what Virginians already feel: “skill” games don’t belong in gas stations, bars or local markets.

OPPOSITION TO “SKILL” GAMES: 67 percent of Virginians oppose allowing skill gamesin non-casino locations.

VOTERS SUPPORT CANDIDATES WHO OPPOSE NEIGHBORHOOD SLOTS: 62 percent of voters say they’d back a candidate who opposes skill game legalization.

The Bottom Line

The Martinsville attack shows what’s at stake when gaming machines flood our neighborhoods. The Manassas Park bust reinforces how widespread this problem has become. These machines aren’t “harmless entertainment” – they attract crime, armed threats and public safety risks. The violence and criminal activity surrounding these so-called “skill” games have sent a clear warning, and Virginians don’t want neighborhood slot machines in their communities.