House rejects conference report to legalize and regulate skill‑game machines after heated debate

The House rejected a conference report on a proposal to legalize and regulate skill‑game machines across the Commonwealth after extended debate about social harms, enforcement and economic consequences.

Sponsor Delegate Hayes said there are an estimated 90,000 illegal machines in the Commonwealth and that the report would reduce that number to 25,000 while generating "somewhere in the neighborhood of $370,000,000" in revenue for the state, with 75% to the general fund and local shares for enforcement. He outlined a statewide cap, per‑location limits (for example three machines at convenience stores, four at restaurants, seven at truck stops), and penalties of $50,000 per illegal machine at locations still housing unlicensed devices.

Opponents on the floor, including Delegate Garrett and others, argued the measure would criminalize small business owners who invested in machines in good faith and disproportionately place legal machines in low‑income areas. "We're gonna turn them into criminals," Delegate Garrett said, warning of harms to job creators. Other members raised concerns about reduced player payout percentages, identification requirements, and the effect on families vulnerable to gambling addiction.

When the roll was called the conference report failed: Ayes 42, Noes 52, Abstentions 1. The House then moved on to other calendar items.

What happens next: Because the conference report failed on the floor, the underlying policy changes described in that report will not take effect; sponsors may continue to negotiate or reintroduce measures in future conference sessions or next session.