The thousands of slot machine-like skill games in Virginia restaurants and convenience stores will no longer be sanctioned by the state come July 1. State legislation introduced last week would keep them legal for another year.
After nearly banning the skill games last year, Virginia lawmakers are considering a 12-month extension of a reprieve that allows thousands of the terminals to remain in restaurants, convenience stores and truck stops across the state.
At a food donation giveaway organized by the industry’s operators, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said permitting skill games for another year could help localities that are worried about potential budget cuts and other financial challenges as tax income from restaurants, hotels and concert venues crater.