Tonight, we are delving deeper into the reinstatement of a ban on skill games following a state supreme court ruling after a year-long pause. Reportedly, state law enforcement officials are taking different approaches to the enforcement of the ban, leaving it up to individual localities to decide on their course of action.
This discretion is essential because the impact of these machines on store merchants varies from store to store and county to county. Henry County has given businesses until December 1st to comply, while Lynchberg will begin enforcement from the start of the New Year. Conversely, officials in Palaski County plan to handle each case individually if concerns are raised by citizens about specific merchant establishments.
On the other hand, supporters of skill games are hopeful that the decision can be overturned, with a court case set to be heard in Richmond next month filed by former NASCAR driver, Hermy Sadler. These proponents argue that legitimate businesses running these games willingly adhere to taxation and regulations, and are committed to eradicating illegal operators. They argue that the ban will have adverse effects on small businesses, like those owned by Sadler’s family, which have been operating for many years.
They assert that the choice of how to spend money should be left to the consumers, while emphasizing the importance of small businesses’ right to compete in a free market. This is Amari Williams reporting for WFXR news in Blacksburg..
