Oppose Free Gambling Lessons for Kids

Legislation SB 212 (D-Rouse) and HB 590 (D-Hayes) is being seriously considered in the House and Senate that would allow over 90,000 so-called games of skill (a.k.a., neighborhood slot machines) in convenience stores, restaurants, truck stops, and other establishments, where families visit daily, with virtually no oversight.

In 2020 and again in 2022, the Virginia General Assembly banned so-called “skill” machines, but there are an estimated 20,000 machines already in convenience stores around the Commonwealth.  There are some legislators who aren’t satisfied with the casinos, and horse racing, and sports betting - they want more money from those who can least afford to lose.  

SB 212 and HB 590 are named the “Virginia Small Business Economic Development Act,” but these neighborhood slot machines are anything but economic development.  All they do is line the pockets of the BIG game makers who cater to problem gamblers, and appeal to the youth to cultivate a new cohort of problem gamblers.  

These bills not only desensitize youth to the addictive habits of gambling and are a financial detriment to families, but these machines also bring more crime to our neighborhoods.  Watch this video to see what is really happening.

The General Assembly should pursue more worthwhile forms of economic development that improve the safety and well-being of the commonwealth’s communities, not further tear them down.