Commentary: Keep Slot-Like Machines Illegal And Out Of Our Communities

Douglas Forrester, Elizabeth N.H. Link, David N. Wright and Victoria Cobb

As faith leaders from across the commonwealth, we are deeply aware of the struggles and triumphs our communities experience. People are crying out for many things, but gambling in every gas station, convenience store, restaurant and rest stop is not one of them.

Virginians must stand up against exploitative slot-like gambling machines and ensure lawmakers keep them permanently and totally banned from our great commonwealth.

In 2020, and then again in 2022, the Virginia General Assembly made these machines illegal. However, a grace period was extended during 2021 that delayed the enforcement of this ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that time, the number of these machines in our state doubled, putting far too many Virginians at risk. Unfortunately, if legislators succeed in legalizing them this time around, there is the potential for over 90,000 machines to pop up in every corner of our commonwealth.