The skill games tax is a new tax on certain gambling machines. The tax is $1,200 per machine every month a machine is operated in Virginia. Game distributors are subject to the tax.
Gaming machines get possible reprieve because of pandemic By ALAN SUDERMAN April 13, 2020 RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Unregulated betting machines in gas stations and bars have been granted a possible 11th hour reprieve in Virginia thanks to the coronavirus. And casino legalization in the Old Dominion has taken a big step forward. A Virginia lawmaker carrying legislation to legalize casino gambling wants to ban unregulated slot-like games that have popped up in gas stations, convenience stores and bars around the state. Though the machines look and function like slot machines, manufacturers of the games argue they don’t violate the state’s prohibition on gambling because they add elements of skill. (WJHL) — New gaming machines are appearing in bars and gas stations across Virginia. They are called “gray machines” because they operate in a gray area of the law. The devices look.
A portion of the money raised by this tax goes to:
- Virginia’s COVID-19 Relief Fund
- Virginia’s Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund
- Localities where skill games are located
Virginia ABC regulates skill games in Virginia.
What types of skill games are subject to the tax?
Skill games subject to this tax include slot machine-type games and similar game machines that have cash, or cash equivalent prizes. You’ll find these sorts of machines in some gas stations, truck stops, restaurants, bars, grocery and convenience stores, and other venues throughout Virginia.
What types of skill games are not subject to the tax?
Games found in family entertainment centers that don’t pay out in cash or cash equivalents aren’t subject to this tax. Games can pay out in tokens, merchandise, or vouchers, and be exempt from the tax, as long as the tokens, merchandise or vouchers:
Slot Machines In Gas Stations
- can’t be redeemed for cash
- don’t include alcohol
- can’t be repurchased
- aren’t more valuable than the total cost of playing the games or multiple games.
See House Bill 881/Senate Bill 971 for more information.
Virginia Gas Station Slot Machines For Sale
How to file and pay
Slot Machines For Sale
Complete Form SK-1 and send it to us. Form SK-1 is due by the 20th of the month, and covers activity for the previous month (e.g. the August 20th due date covers machines in use during July).