In a final attempt before the impending prohibition of electronic skill games in Virginia, a collective of Asian-American entrepreneurs is rallying together.
The office of Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has received a complaint from the Asian American Business Owners Association (AABOA), a Roanoke-based organization.
Starting on Thursday, July 1, a new law will be enforced in Virginia, completely prohibiting the operation of “skill games” in various establishments, including small businesses, convenience stores, and gas stations.
According to the AABOA, the machines play a crucial role in determining their businesses’ financial success.
In addition, they claim that the forthcoming ban disproportionately impacts minority groups.
Biz owners scramble as Virginia ban nears
On Saturday, the AABOA submitted its complaint, consisting of 18 pages.
Former NASCAR driver and Virginia small business owner Hermie Sadler has recently filed a lawsuit, citing that his businesses generate annual net revenues of $750,000 through 41 skill games.
Similar to Sadler, the AABOA is making preparations for the enforcement of Senate Bill 971. This law aims to prohibit skill games, which bear resemblance to slot machines and other conventional gaming devices. However, these skill games have a dubious “skill” component that had previously enabled them to operate in a legal gray zone, hence earning them the nickname “gray machines.”
In response to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on businesses, the Virginia General Assembly made the decision to grant skill games a temporary exemption from the impending ban until July 1, 2021. Following this, the state implemented regulations and imposed taxes on these machines. As a result, the program generated around $100 million in funds, aimed at combating the pandemic and its resulting shutdowns.
Sadler, along with the AABOA and fellow business owners, had optimistic expectations that the audition would pave the way for the complete legalization of skill machines. However, the office of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has confirmed that the ban, scheduled to take effect on July 1, will proceed as planned.
The VA attorney general is being urged by the AABOA to prevent the ban from being implemented by refusing to enforce it.
Discrimination with skill games ban?
Gray machines will be banned, effectively restricting businesses to only family entertainment centers for their installation.
Advocates of skill-games contend that these machines play a crucial role in supporting numerous businesses owned by Indian, African-American, Pakistani, and Yemeni merchants.
The AABOA complaint explicitly criticizes the VA General Assembly for its derogatory remarks about the games. Representatives specifically mention the following legislators by their names:
- Tommy Norment, a Republican from James City, serves as the Senate Minority Leader.
- Janet Howell, a Democrat from Fairfax, serves as the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
In addition to the thriving legal gambling opportunities in Virginia, the ban on skill-games arrives. Mobile sports betting was introduced in January, while the opening of the first Virginia casinos is scheduled for 2022 and 2025. The Virginia Lottery continues to enjoy immense popularity, and residents also have access to live horse racing and historical horse racing.
According to the AABOA complaint:
Over the past few years, the commonwealth has shown acceptance towards gaming when it is enjoyed by the privileged in luxurious casinos or by children in “family entertainment centers.” However, it is considered unacceptable when the same activity is offered by Asian American owned convenience stores or enjoyed by minority or marginalized populations.
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