on convenience store slot machines!
Out-of-state companies that operated illegal convenience store slot machines don't want you to decide if they are allowed in your community. Instead:
They avoid gaming laws over and over.
Operators of unsafe, unsecured, illegal convenience store slot machines have a proven track record of avoiding gaming laws and regulations, with no regard for keeping our communities safe.
They don't want to play by any rules.
Out-of-state operators of these machines - which are in way more places than just convenience stores - are looking to Richmond for a jackpot: no real scrutiny, no real safeguards, no real limits, and no real voter input.
They hide behind small businesses.
A vast majority of any revenue from these machines goes to line the pockets of out-of-state companies that operate them, not to creating jobs or revenue for small businesses in Virginia. They even sue real small businesses.
They don't want you to have a vote.
Over 60% of Virginians want to vote on this issue, and whether or not these games are put on every street corner and in every business in their community. Convenience store slot machine operators don't want that.
From the lottery to casinos to pari-mutuel wagering, Virginia voters have had a direct vote on gaming in our communities. This issue should be no different. Let Virginia vote.
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Legislators are considering coming back to Richmond to deal with this issue very soon. Please use the form below to contact the Governor and key General Assembly members to let them know how you feel. Simply type in your information, and we'll match you with your legislators.
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You've seen them. They are deceptive slot machines that have infiltrated communities and proliferated not only just in convenience stores- but also restaurants, gas stations, bowling alleys, and so many other places- all across Virginia. They look and feel exactly like slot machines, but claim they're not games of chance - which are regulated in Virginia - because of certain features of their game.
Don’t fall for that.
The Supreme Court of Virginia doesn't buy that argument either and has upheld a ban on the machines, despite significant efforts by their operators to remain in operation.
Out-of-state companies that have cornered the market on these illegal convenience store slot machines are not based in Virginia. A vast majority of the revenue these machines siphon from local citizens flows back to line the pockets of these out-of-state companies - not Virginians.
Compare that with the operators of responsible, voter approved gaming in Virginia who are paying millions in local and state taxes - with some even having an additional portion of their proceeds go to Virginia localities and organizations- creating thousands of local jobs, and donating thousands of hours, and dollars, to state and local charitable causes.
They're unmonitored. Literally anyone can walk in to a convenience store, or grocery store, or a restaurant - including minors and problem gamers - and play them. With no issue.
They're unsafe. They increase loitering where they are. Local law enforcement from across the state have reported increases in crime around establishments where these machines are located.
They're unregulated. As we've seen in recent years, the operators of these machines have a strategy to proliferate - overtaking communities and putting games on every street corner and beyond law enforcement's ability to control them.
We need to ban them for good. But, one thing is for sure, if the effort to legalize them continues then it needs to go to a statewide vote by the people. Virginians deserve to have the final word on this matter of public safety and security. We should let Virginia vote.
Virginia has put pari-mutuel wagering, casino gaming, and even the lottery before voters in the form of ballot referendums. Virginians have had the final say on all of these kinds of gaming. Given that these games would go into every city, county and town in Virginia, this issue should be no different, thus requiring statewide approval by referendum.
However, operators of illegal convenience store slot machines and their supporters are fighting tooth and nail to make sure that doesn't happen for these machines. Why? Because a majority of Virginians would not allow this type of dangerous gaming in their communities.
The real question is "Why should this specific type of gaming be treated any different than other types of gaming?" It shouldn't. Voters should be able to have a say on what type of gaming is allowed in their communities.
According to a recent poll, well over 60% of voters want to be able to vote on this issue on a ballot referendum. A clear majority of Virginia voters clearly want a say on this whether or not these machines are allowed in their communities. It’s a statewide issue. Let’s have a statewide vote.
