A joint statement was issued November 16, 2023, explaining to the community that skill games are illegal in Virginia and enforcement would resume in Amherst County on December 15, 2023. This joint statement was issued by the Commonwealth's Attorney, Lyle Carver; Sheriff E.W. Viar; Sheriff-Elect Jimmy Ayers; and the Chief of the Amherst Town Police, Bobby Shifflett. This statement was well-received by the community and the machines were shut down in area businesses.
To be clear, Skill Games remain illegal in Virginia. Recent attempts to bypass the law with newer machines does not change their legality - they are still illegal. Attached is an opinion from Attorney General Jason Miyares making clear that even the new machines are still illegal.
Sheriff Ayers and Chief of Police Ryan Watts requested an update on the legality of these machines. This notification is a response to those requests and is offered to clear up any confusion on the legality of the machines. Skill games fall under the illegal gambling provisions of the Virginia Code (See Virginia Code §§ 18.2-325 through 18.2-340). Illegal gambling laws will be enforced in all of Amherst County. The Amherst Town Police and the Amherst County Sheriff's Office are committed to enforcing the law. It is not only a violation for a business owner to offer illegal gambling, but it is also illegal for the individual that is gambling.
Illegal gambling laws will be enforced in Amherst County. There is no grace period or future effective date. These machines must be disabled or removed immediately.