The Supreme Court of Virginia has reinstated a state-wide ban on skill games, and the Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has recommended no enforcement of the ban until November 15. This news has had a significant impact on small businesses like Finnigan’s Cove in Harrisonburg, which brought in the skill games as a way to boost business during the pandemic.
Finnigan’s Cove owner Donna Finnigan stated that the skill games were beneficial for their business, drawing in customers who would eat and drink while playing. With the ban in place, she has already noticed a decline in income from these games. She understands why they put the ban in place but wishes there was more support for small businesses like hers.
Finnigan also noted that other gaming machines such as Golden Tee and Big Buck Hunter bring in fewer customers than skill games do. She believes that if the government wants to help small businesses, it should consider allowing these types of games as an alternative to traditional gambling machines.
Overall, Finnigan is disappointed with the decision but hopes that they will continue to find ways to support small businesses in Virginia.