The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (VA ABC) has promulgated an emergency regulation pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Directive 11 mandating that VA ABC do all things necessary and prudent for carrying out the provisions of Chapter 1217 and Chapter 1277 of the 2020 Acts of the General Assembly, including the promulgation of emergency regulations relating to “games of skill”.

The regulation shall include (among other requirements):

1. A minimum age for the playing of skill games as defined by Chapter 1217 and Chapter 1277 of the 2020 Acts of the General Assembly.

    

2. A statewide maximum number of skill games and a maximum number of skill games per truck stop and per ABC retail licensee, respectively, as defined by Chapter 1217 and Chapter 1277 of the 2020 Acts of the General Assembly.

    

3. Requirements for initial registration, monthly reporting, labeling, surety bonds, and record-keeping for distributors and operators of skill games.

4. Taxation

    

    

5. Penalties for non-compliance.

On or before June 15, 2020, any and all distributors and operators of skill games are required to notify VA ABC (on such form as prescribed by VA ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement) of their intent to operate skill games under the provisions of Chapter 1217 and Chapter 1277 of the 2020 Acts of the General Assembly.  Only those skill games that were provided by a distributor and available for play in VA ABC licensed retail establishments and truck stops on June 30, 2020, may continue to operate on or after July 1, 2020. 

No later than July 7, 2020, each operator or distributor shall file a registration statement with the VA ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement on such form that may be prescribed by the VA ABC.  The registration statement shall include all skill games that are available for play by the distributor or operator filing the registration statement, as of June 30, 2020.   Failure to file the registration statement by July 7, 2020 shall result in the barring of any such games not registered. Any such game not included in the registration statement shall be considered an illegal gambling device.

VA ABC is seeking public comment on the proposed regulation.  Public comment may be posted on Town Hall.

Below is a link to the regulation text:

https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewXML.cfm?textid=14287