Lottery News

In a bold step against the state's decision to ban skill games, hundreds of Virginia Lottery retailers are intensifying their protest by halting lottery ticket sales entirely until further notice. This move comes just a month after an initial temporary boycott of ticket sales which demonstrated the retailers' solidarity against the ban.

For context, skill games are electronic games available in many lottery retailers, gas stations, and bars. They became particularly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as a source of supplemental income for many businesses. However, following concerns related to gambling addiction and regulation, the state dropped the hammer and issued a ban on these games effective July 1, 2021. The decision has caused significant backlash among business owners who rely on these games for additional revenue.

This ongoing protest is more than just business owners making a statement. This could potentially impact the lottery's revenue streams as well. Given Virginia's fairly active lottery scene, this latest move may induce a significant loss of profit for the Virginia Lottery.

While profits from the lottery significantly fund public education in the state - an angle often used to counter any criticism of the lottery - many retailers assert that their own businesses are suffering. With the loss of income from the skill games, the profits from selling lottery tickets often don't offer enough compensation. This spurred the initial temporary boycott, and is now driving retailers to take the drastic step of completely ceasing ticket sales.

The decision hasn't been taken lightly. Retail proprietors know that their stance could lead to a strain in their relationships with the lottery officials and potentially affect their lottery contracts. Yet, they believe that by standing together, they can illuminate the detrimental effects of the skill game ban on small businesses.

It's important to note that while many are hoping this protest will force the government to backtrack, not everyone is on board with the boycott. Some retailers, particularly those who didn't rely heavily on skill games for income, are continuing to sell lottery tickets.

The recent boycott undertaken by Virginia Lottery retailers showcases a notable clash involving state gambling regulations, small business interests, and public welfare considerations. It remains to be seen whether this significant, escalated protest will result in any policy changes.

In the meantime, lottery players may need to adjust their ticket purchasing habits. With many retailers refusing to sell, tickets may be harder to come by. Furthermore, there's no determined end time to the boycott, making it difficult to predict when sales might resume. Lottery enthusiasts might have to sit tight while the state and the retailers seek a resolution that addresses the needs and concerns on both sides.