Virginia Democrats push gambling bill after taking massive donations from gambling company

Lawmakers who received large contributions from Pace-O-Matic are leading the charge to legalize the company's 'skill game' machines across the state.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:08am

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Virginia's Democratic-controlled legislature recently passed legislation that would legalize 'skill game' gambling machines manufactured by Pace-O-Matic, a company that has donated over $1.7 million to Virginia Democrats since 2023. The primary sponsors of the legislation, including State Sen. Aaron Rouse and Del. Cliff Hayes, have received significant campaign contributions from Pace-O-Matic and its executives. Critics argue the move is a blatant example of pay-to-play politics and could contribute to rising levels of gambling addiction.

Why it matters

The push to legalize Pace-O-Matic's gambling machines raises concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential social costs of expanded gambling. While proponents argue the machines could generate revenue for small businesses, opponents worry they could exacerbate gambling addiction issues and disproportionately harm vulnerable communities.

The details

The legislation, if signed into law by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, would legalize the 'skill game' gambling machines manufactured by Pace-O-Matic across Virginia. Pace-O-Matic and its executives have donated over $1.7 million to Virginia Democrats since 2023, including large sums during the 2025 elections when Democrats regained control of the state legislature. The primary sponsors of the gambling expansion bills, State Sen. Aaron Rouse and Del. Cliff Hayes, have received significant campaign contributions from Pace-O-Matic, with Rouse accepting over $140,000 in direct donations and an additional $195,000 from a Pace-O-Matic-funded PAC.

  • In 2024, Rouse sponsored legislation to legalize Pace-O-Matic's skill game machines, but it was defeated by disagreements with the then-Republican governor.
  • The current legislation to legalize skill games was filed practically as soon as Democrats took control of the Virginia legislature in 2026.

The players

Pace-O-Matic

A gambling machine company that has donated over $1.7 million to Virginia Democrats since 2023, including large sums during the 2025 elections when Democrats regained control of the state legislature.

Aaron Rouse

A Democratic state senator who served as the patron of gambling expansion legislation in the Virginia Senate. Rouse has received over $140,000 in direct contributions from Pace-O-Matic and its executives, as well as an additional $195,000 from a Pace-O-Matic-funded PAC.

Cliff Hayes

A Democratic state delegate who served as the patron of the gambling expansion legislation in the Virginia House of Delegates. Hayes has received $37,000 in contributions from Pace-O-Matic since 2023.

Louise Lucas

A longtime Democratic supporter of skill games who accepted $165,000 in donations from Pace-O-Matic and its executives.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia, who will decide whether to sign the legislation legalizing Pace-O-Matic's gambling machines. Pace-O-Matic donated $50,000 to Spanberger's 2026 inaugural committee.

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What they’re saying

“My support for this legislation is grounded in public policy concerns that long predate any campaign contributions and are centered on transparency, enforcement, and fiscal responsibility for the Commonwealth. They are not based on any single contributor or entity.”

— Cliff Hayes, Virginia State Delegate

“When you violate the law, there's consequences for violating the law; you should not be rewarded with, we're going to forget about all the violations of law that you had, and we're just going to go ahead and make this legal now.”

— Ray Clemons, President, Virginia Fraternal Order of Police

“They draw in a certain element because people know that there are people in there playing on these games and they have money to spend.”

— Ray Clemons, President, Virginia Fraternal Order of Police

What’s next

The legislation to legalize Pace-O-Matic's 'skill game' machines still needs to be signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger before it can become law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential social costs of expanded gambling. While proponents argue the machines could generate revenue, critics worry they could exacerbate gambling addiction issues and disproportionately harm vulnerable communities.