Bill > SB661

This bill establishes regulations and taxation for electronic skill gaming devices, defining them as machines where player skill predominantly determines the outcome and cash prizes can be won. The Virginia Lottery will oversee these devices, requiring registration and licensing for manufacturers, distributors, operators, and host locations, with specific rules for each. A 25 percent tax will be levied on the gross profits (revenue minus prizes) generated by these devices, with the tax proceeds going into a new "Virginia Gaming Commerce and Development Fund." From this fund, 15% will go to localities where host locations operate, 6.5% to the Department for administrative costs, 2.5% to the "Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund," 1% to the State Police for gaming enforcement, and the remainder to the general fund. The bill also includes provisions for a voluntary exclusion program for individuals who wish to ban themselves from playing these devices, along with criminal and civil penalties for violations, including forfeiture of illegal devices and potential imprisonment for certain offenses. Localities will have the option to hold referendums to prohibit these devices within their jurisdiction.