Gas station incident reignites debate over Virginia’s skill game legality

Monday, October 6, 2025 10:22 AM
Image aggregated from WSET-TV.
  • Sarah Weitzman, WSET-TV

A Henry County gas station is under investigation after a man allegedly attempted to break into a skill game machine following a loss. The incident has reignited the ongoing debate over the legality of skill games in Virginia.

Skill games, which resemble slot machines but require a level of intellect to win, are banned in the state. However, a Hanover County judge ruled in April that a new version of these machines is legal.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident that took place at J&H Market, where Thornton Burnette reportedly became angry after losing money on a skill game.