Title 18.2. Crimes and Offenses Generally
Chapter 8. Crimes Involving Morals and Decency
§ 18.2-334.6. Exemptions to article; amusement devices.
A. As used in this section:
"Amusement device" means a game that is activated by a coin, token, or other object of consideration or value and that does not provide the opportunity to (i) enter into a sweepstakes, lottery, or other illegal gambling event or (ii) receive any form of consideration or value, except for an appropriate reward.
"Appropriate reward" means a noncash, merchandise prize (i) the value of which does not exceed the cost of playing the amusement device or the total aggregate cost of playing multiple amusement devices, (ii) that is not and does not include an alcoholic beverage, (iii) that is not eligible for repurchase, and (iv) that is not exchangeable for cash or cash equivalents.
B. A person may make amusement devices available for play if the prize won or distributed to a player is a noncash, merchandise prize or a voucher, billet, ticket, token, or electronic credit redeemable only for an appropriate reward. An appropriate reward shall only be redeemable on the premises where the amusement device is located.
C. An amusement device shall not be designed or adapted to cause or enable a person to cause the release of free games or portions of games when designated as a potential reward for use of the device and shall not contain any meter or other measurement device to record the number of free games or portions of games that are rewarded.
D. An amusement device shall not be designed or adapted to enable a person using the device to increase the chances of winning free games or portions of games by paying more than is ordinarily required to play the game.
2020, cc. 1217, 1277, § 18.2-334.5; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2; 2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.
