Virginia skill games machines continue to operate despite statewide ban
The nearly two-year legal grapple over the restriction is set to go to court later this month.
A stalled court case regarding Virginia’s ban on skill games machines continues to spark discussion among politicians. Despite the restriction, machines continue to be installed throughout the Richmond area, according to a local report in the Virginia Mercury.
State legislators banned the use of skill games machines nearly two years ago. However, the gaming industry has pushed back to appeal the matter in court. No formal decision has been made on the case since both groups reached a legal standstill in December 2021.
Due to the case’s standing, the machines are currently still in use during this “limbo period,” causing politicians to voice the need for a ruling either way.
Franklin City Manager Amanda Jarratt stressed to the Virginia Mercury that a final decision regarding the machines is necessary for the state and for its residents because of a number of pressing factors.
She explained further by saying, “Having no clear direction on licensure, taxation, or regulation creates a frustrating position for localities.
“When citizen complaints are filed with the locality we find ourselves in a position not to be able to provide them with any guidance or resolution to their concerns.”
Part of the growing controversy is due to several Richmond machines’ signs falsely stating that funds generated will be used for the state’s Covid-19 relief fund. However, Virginia has not used gaming revenue for pandemic relief since July 2021, the local report said.
A representative from Pace-O-Matic noted that the company’s “hands are tied” when it comes to messaging on these machines and further explained that the group is operating within the legal parameters set in place by the current injunction.
Christina Freundlich, who works with the company as a public relations consultant told local news, “Pace-O-Matic is operating 100% in compliance with the temporary injunction which states that we are not to make any updates to the software. This includes any messaging featured on-screen.”
The case is scheduled to go before the court at the end of this month, the local report said.
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