Published on: April 11, 2026, 10:04h.

Updated on: April 11, 2026, 10:04h.

Virginia’s Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) has made it clear that she will not endorse any legislation permitting further gambling activities in the state until lawmakers establish and allocate funds for an independent gaming regulatory authority.

Following Spanberger’s disapproval of a bill that would allow Fairfax County to host a commercial casino, the governor, who is facing lower approval ratings than her eight predecessors during her early tenure, rejected another proposal to recreate the regulatory framework for skill games.

Spanberger emphasized that Virginia requires a specialized gaming regulation board to effectively oversee the state’s evolving gambling landscape.

“The lack of a unified regulatory body for gaming results in oversight gaps that jeopardize Virginia’s ability to ensure consistent enforcement, prevent illegal activities, and protect consumers. Currently, the legalization of skill gaming and the introduction of more machines would overload an already disorganized system,” Spanberger remarked.

The slot-like skill machines were briefly legalized in Virginia during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist local businesses financially. Although they became illegal again in 2021, legal battles allowed these games to continue until October 2023.

Skill Games Currently Unregulated

Advocates for skill games argue that these machines provided essential revenue for many small businesses throughout the pandemic. They argue this additional income was crucial for retaining staff as business owners managed inflation through gaming revenue.

Skill games resemble traditional slot machines but incorporate elements of skill that allow players to influence their payout. The lobby for skill games contended in state court that these machines do not fall under the category of gambling. In October 2023, the Virginia Supreme Court affirmed that the General Assembly maintained the legal right to prohibit these games following their temporary legalization.

While Spanberger has not explicitly opposed skill games, she has voiced concern over the absence of a suitable state agency to oversee regulatory tasks. Since 2020, Virginia has approved casinos in five locations, along with retail and mobile sports betting, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Lottery Board.

“The rapid growth of gaming in Virginia over the past decade has surpassed the state’s capacity to deliver consistent enforcement, robust public safety supervision, and thorough evaluations of the potential impacts or harms associated with all forms of gaming,” Spanberger stated.

Impact of Skill Games on Local Communities

Spanberger also referenced concerns that during Virginia’s temporary legalization of skill games, operators targeted areas with a higher concentration of residents living below the poverty line, as well as communities with lower educational attainment and significant Black and Hispanic populations.

“Data clearly indicate that these devices were disproportionately situated in specific areas,” Spanberger remarked. “I am committed to collaborating with the General Assembly to ensure that any future gaming expansion prioritizes consumer safety, public well-being, and the economic and social health of all communities.”