Winchester Council backs state ban on unregulated 'skill' gaming machines after heated debate

Winchester City Council on Dec. 9 passed a resolution asking the Virginia General Assembly to uphold the state’s ban on unregulated “skill” gaming machines.

Jeff Bittner, representing the Economic Development Authority, told the council that skill games—machine‑based devices often found in convenience stores—are unregulated, can facilitate problem gambling and underreport income, and were disproportionately located in low‑income neighborhoods. “Studies show their predatory nature,” Bittner said, and he urged the council to back maintaining the ban until the state establishes oversight.

Business owners and some council members pushed back, arguing skill games provide revenue to small convenience stores and help margins. Bob Flater, who said his family’s business has operated in Winchester for decades, urged the council to consider the economic role the machines play for local retailers.

Councilors debated timing and fairness; one councilor objected that the resolution was “green‑sheeted” (added at the last minute) and that small businesses had little notice to comment. Others said the resolution simply supports an existing state ban and would not prevent future regulated gaming if the General Assembly establishes a regulatory framework.

After discussion and the filing of two alternative resolutions to be drafted for later consideration, the council approved the resolution to urge the General Assembly to leave the ban in place. The resolution passed by voice vote; the meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally.

What happens next: The resolution will be forwarded to Winchester’s legislative delegation and to Richmond for consideration; councilors also asked staff to prepare companion language urging the creation of a statewide gaming commission to regulate gaming should the legislature move to lift the ban.