Youngkin amends ‘skill games’ measure, proposing far stricter standards 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) proposed far stricter standards for “skill games” legislation that aims to regulate and tax the arcade-like machines in the state.

In a flurry of legislative action on Monday, Youngkin amended “skill games” legislation that the General Assembly sent to him in March. The legislation would legalize and allow for the taxation of “skill games,” which appear similar to slot machines but are said to require an element of skill.

Proponents of the legislation say that regulating and legalizing the machines could help boost the profits of small businesses like convenience stores, restaurants and gas stations. The Associated Press reported last month that a coalition, including the machine’s developer and business owners, backed the legislation.

The legislation sent to Youngkin would regulate the machines and tax them at a rate of 25 percent. However, Youngkin’s amendments called for a higher tax rate on the machines’ profits, according to his recommendations.

His amendments include other stringent proposals, including a provision that allows localities to ban the “skill game” machines. His proposal also calls for banning the machines within 35 miles of any casino, racetrack or gambling “satellite facility.”

His amendment would also prohibit the machines from being placed within 2,500 feet of churches, daycares or places of worship.

A spokesperson for Youngkin told The Associated Press that the amendments address “serious concerns with the regulatory structure, tax rates, the number of machines, impact on the Virginia Lottery and broader public safety implications” that the legislation had.

Youngkin’s amendment to the “skill games” legislation came as he took action on 1,046 bills before a Monday deadline sent to him from the General Assembly. His office said he signed 777 into law, amended 116 bills and vetoed 153 from the Democratic-led legislature.

 “And where there are differences in our approaches, I hope my amendments reflect the common ground we can find together. I want to thank every member of the General Assembly for their service to the Commonwealth and look forward to their return to Richmond next week as we work toward an on-time end to this year’s session,” Youngkin said in a statement.

The Hill has reached out to Youngkin’s office for additional comment.

The Associated Press contributed.