A ban on electronic skill games in Virginia went back into effect Friday, with the state’s Supreme Court vacating an injunction that had prevented the ban from being enforced since 2021.
A lawsuit against the ban is expected to go to court in December in the case filed by companies that want the games allowed.
The slot-like machine games can be found in Virginia at convenience stores and bars, among other locations. The machines haven’t been subject to regulatory scrutiny in the past couple years. It’s unclear how soon enforcement of the ban may take effect, though regulated casinos in the state presumably would be happy to see it enforced.
Regulated casino revenue update
Virginia’s three regulated retail casinos generated $51.9 million of adjusted gaming revenue in September, the state lottery announced Friday.
Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia all generated at least $12 million in monthly revenue, with Rivers Casino pacing the three locations with $20 million. Caesars Virginia was close behind, creating $19.1 million in revenue. Hard Rock Bristol reported $12.7 million of monthly adjusted gaming revenue.
Slot machines were the primary revenue driver in September, accounting for $39 million in monthly revenue creation. Table games accounted for $12.9 million.
The three retail casinos combined to generate $6.1 million in tax revenue for Virginia last month.
Casino expansion is expected in the state in the near future, as Norfolk city officials are working with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe on development plans. Richmond will hold a second casino referendum in November — the 2021 effort failed — that could lead to the construction of a casino in Virginia’s capital city.
Virginia law allows for retail and mobile sports betting, but legal online casinos are not there yet.
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