ICYMI – Former President of VA Young Dems Calls Out “Skill” Game Industry in Virginia

In case you missed it, Matt Royer, immediate past president of the Virginia Young Democrats and former member of the Democratic Party of Virginia’s steering committee, called out the predatory and illegal “skill” game industry in the Commonwealth.

Citing a Philadelphia jury’s recent ruling holding a skill gaming operator liable for a convenience store owner’s wrongful death, Royer claims the decision should serve as a “flashing warning light” for Virginia:

“The same corporate forces pushing these machines here are not looking out for everyday Virginians. Despite their claims that they are helping small businesses, this incident, among countless others, makes clear they are only looking out for themselves.”

Although their business model is supposedly built on empowering small businesses to succeed, Royer points out the companies operating these machines do exactly the opposite – endangering business owners and shoppers, while bolstering their own bottom-line.

“In 2022, Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) reported that establishments with ‘skill’ game machines experienced increased incidents of robbery, violence, and public safety risks. … a recent jury decision found that placing these devices in convenience stores created ‘unsafe environments’ for workers due to the cash-rich machines and attendant risk of robbery.”

Finally, pointing to the hypocrisy of companies claiming that they are willing to play by the rules, Royer ultimately urges Virginians to recognize the same playbook the company is utilizing in Pennsylvania and put a stop to their back-door tactics:

“For too long, Pace-O-Matic and other “skill” game companies have operated as though Virginia’s laws are optional; it’s time for the Legislature to restore order and close the door on that approach. Legislators should strengthen the existing ban, prohibit the construction of new terminals, and ensure full enforcement of current prohibitions.”

It’s time for Virginia to put an end to the proliferation of these predatory, dangerous and ILLEGAL machines once and for all.