In anticipation of Virginia’s prohibition on skill games coming into effect, a judge in Greensville County has dismissed former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler’s legal challenge to the ban.
In June 2021, Sadler filed a lawsuit against Virginia’s then-Governor Ralph Northam (D) as the administration cracked down on the “slot-like” machines.
As the owner of several truck stops and restaurants in and around Emporia, southern Virginia, Sadler contended that the ban was “unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable.” He questioned the logic of legalizing casino gambling and sports betting while criminalizing skill games.
The lawsuit argued that the ban unfairly burdened business owners who relied on the terminals to navigate the financial constraints of the coronavirus pandemic.
Understanding Skill Games
Skill games resemble slot machines but incorporate elements of skill. Players may need to make optimal choices to identify their winning payline or complete a bonus game that involves memorizing and repeating a color sequence, for example.
For the past two decades, these games have existed in a legal gray area in Virginia restaurants, bars, and truck stops.
In 2020, the legislature decided to ban the machines. However, Governor Northam’s plan to tax and regulate the machines for 12 months to support struggling businesses during the pandemic was enforced. Following an October ruling by the Supreme Court of Virginia declaring the machines to be illegal gambling games, Sadler’s lawsuit secured a delay to the ban until November 15.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares stated that enforcement should be held off until the new deadline.
“This is not gambling. These are skill games. And you are not a criminal. You are the backbone of Virginia,” commented State Sen. Bill Stanley, who is also representing Sadler in the case.
Countdown to Enforcement
As the machines continue to be widespread in the state, law enforcement agencies are grappling with enforcing the change in the law. Chief Rick Edwards of the Richmond Police Department emphasized the need to communicate the message to business owners and patrons regarding the enforcement.
“We understand this was kind of sudden for some of our business owners. So it’s important for us to make sure we get that message out to the business owners and patrons,” said Edwards.
On the other hand, the American Gaming Association (AGA) representing the regulated casino sector asserted its stance, indicating their support for Virginia’s decision to regulate gambling activity in the state and urging law enforcement to remove these “predatory machines” from communities.
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