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Can I offer contests that involve both skill and chance in Virginia? What are the requirements?

Virginia Skill and Chance Contests

In Virginia, contests that involve both skill and chance are legal as long as they meet certain requirements. The state defines “illegal gambling” as the playing or offering for play of any skill game [1][3]. However, a “skill game” does not include any amusement device [3].

Requirements for Skill and Chance Contests

To offer skill and chance contests in Virginia, the following requirements must be met:

  1. The contest must involve a mixture of skill and chance that does not clear the threshold for gambling [2].
  2. The contest must not be considered “illegal gambling” [1][3].
  3. The contest must offer an appropriate reward, which is a noncash, merchandise prize that does not exceed the cost of playing the amusement device or the total aggregate [5].
  4. The contest must not violate any other laws or regulations in Virginia.

Exemptions to Article

Certain skill games offered at family entertainment centers are exempt from the article on illegal gambling [4].

Therefore, as long as the skill and chance contest meets the requirements listed above and does not violate any other laws or regulations, it is legal to offer in Virginia.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Virginia