Virginia Lobbyists Hint Skill Games Likely to be a Hot Topic
Lobbying this early in Virginia may make Richmond lawmakers consider the further expansion of commercial gambling in the state. For instance, a potential hot topic might be skill games, with several gaming providers spending significantly for the legislative session slated to begin on the 8th of January.
As Virginia's 2025 General Assembly session approaches, intense lobbying from gaming stakeholders signals that the state’s gambling laws could once again be a hot topic of debate. Among the issues anticipated for discussion is the possible revival of skill gaming machines, including the Queen of Virginia skill games, which were banned in October 2023 following a Virginia Supreme Court ruling.
Virginia's gambling landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years, evolving from one of the most restrictive states to a hub of online sports betting, land-based casinos, and historical horse racing machines. This shift has fueled regional economic growth, job creation, and significant tax revenues.
According to the Virginia Public Access Project, gaming corporations are already pouring significant resources into lobbying efforts ahead of the legislative session, which begins on the 8th of January and runs all the way to the 22nd of February.
Big spending in Richmond
Lobbying disclosures reveal the high financial stakes in the upcoming session. Caesars Entertainment, which is set to open its $750 million Caesars Virginia resort in Danville on December 17, has already invested $418,155 in lobbying efforts. Churchill Downs, fresh off the launch of The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries, has spent $268,593.
Meanwhile, MGM Resorts has allocated $222,267, likely to support the "No NOVA Casino" campaign opposing a proposed Fairfax County casino. MGM aims to protect its National Harbor casino across the Potomac River. The campaign itself has raised $370,209 to thwart the casino initiative in Northern Virginia.
The Sports Betting Alliance, which is lobbying for the legalization of online slots and table games, has committed $160,926. Pace-O-Matic, developer of the Queen of Virginia skill games, has allocated $461,048 advocating for the reinstatement of skill gaming machines in the state.
Skill games and Fairfax Casino dominate the agenda
The possible reintroduction of skill gaming machines is expected to be a provocative issue. Many small businesses in Virginia argue that these games provided a vital revenue stream during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2024 legislative session, the Assembly passed a bill to permit businesses which have a license from the Alcoholic Beverage Control to host skill gaming machines, imposing a 25% tax on gross revenue.
However, Governor Glenn Youngkin amended the bill, raising the proposed tax to 35% and introducing strict exclusion zones. These zones would prohibit skill games within 35 miles of parimutuel wagering venues and casinos and 2,500 feet of daycares, places of worship, and schools. Lawmakers argued that the amendments would effectively ban skill games in all but the most rural areas, leading to the bill's ultimate failure.
Proponents of skill games, including Pace-O-Matic, are advocating for a fresh look at the legislation, emphasizing the economic benefits the machines bring to small businesses.
Fairfax Casino proposal faces resistance
Another issue likely to see attention is the push for a commercial casino in Fairfax County, spearheaded by State Senator David Marsden. However, the proposal faces substantial opposition from local residents, homeowners' associations, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, who cite concerns about the impact on the community's affluent neighborhoods and its status as a hub for Fortune 500 companies.
Despite the opposition, several unions are backing the initiative, leveraging their influence in Richmond to push for a referendum allowing Fairfax residents to vote on the matter.
As gaming debates heat up, Virginia's lawmakers are poised to navigate competing interests from communities, businesses, and industry giants. With substantial efforts from all sides, the outcome of the 2025 General Assembly session could shape the future of gambling in the Commonwealth.
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