AG Miyares Calls “Skill” Games What They Are: Neighborhood Slot Machines

In an interview on the John Fredericks show last week, Attorney General Jason Miyares calls so-called skill games what they really are: “They’re slot machines. They’re unregulated slot machines that have popped up in these restaurants and these convenience stores.”

The conversation goes on to discuss the critical differences between Virginia’s regulated casino industry and the illegal operation of neighborhood slot machines.

“Our casinos are heavily regulated, heavily taxed. I know. I’ve been to Bristol. Bristol has facial recognition technology. They know who comes in their casino. If somebody has a problem, they’re not allowed in. If there’s a warrant for your arrest, they notify police. I mean, these casinos are very, very regulated with heavy security. They have a very controlled environment.

“[Neighborhood slot machines] are very, very different. These unregulated slot machines that just pop up everywhere. It’s the wild wild west, and I say it’s a tax on the poor because everything that I have seen and heard and the data that’s come across my desk, it is overwhelmingly feeding addiction for Virginians, for working-class Virginians.” – Jason Miyares

When asked about enforcement, Miyares says, “The General Assembly has spoken on this and said these machines are not allowed. The governor has vetoed any measure to essentially legalize these machines. And so, at the end of the day, my job is to enforce the law without fear or favor.”

This illegal gambling operation is its own ‘get rich quick’ scheme for out-of-state companies to set up shop without permission, “essentially taxing Virginians and getting that money out of Virginia into their pockets.”

It’s time we put an end to this assault on Virginia’s most vulnerable communities once and for all. The Attorney General has made it clear – neighborhood slot machines are illegal and the law on the books must be enforced.

Watch the full interview with John Fredericks and Attorney General Jason Miyares HERE.