Governor Spanberger vetoes invoice to legalize ability video games

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) – Governor Spanberger vetoed laws to legalize ability gaming Friday, April 10.

The governor said that Virginia continues to lack a centralized, impartial entity to control all authorized gaming.

The governor additionally pointed to data collected by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) throughout the window of time when ability video games had been allowed to function legally in Virginia between 2020 and 2021.

“The absence of a centralized regulatory authority for gaming creates gaps in oversight that threaten the Commonwealth of Virginia’s ability to provide consistent enforcement, prevent illicit activity, and protect all consumers,” stated Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Right now, legalizing skill gaming and introducing more of these machines into our communities would strain an already fragmented system. Legalizing these machines at this moment would also reward operators who knowingly disregarded state law for years and set a troubling precedent for how business is conducted in Virginia.”

Spanberger added, “Moving forward, I will continue to engage in discussions with the General Assembly about how to make sure any expansion of legal gaming in Virginia prioritizes the well-being of all our communities.”

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