{"id":2582491,"date":"2026-03-22T05:12:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T09:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gambling-company-cashes-out-after-showering-dems-with-cash\/"},"modified":"2026-03-22T05:15:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T09:15:43","slug":"gambling-company-cashes-out-after-showering-dems-with-cash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gambling-company-cashes-out-after-showering-dems-with-cash\/","title":{"rendered":"Gambling company cashes out after showering Dems with cash"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fgambling-company-cashes-out-after-showering-dems-with-cash%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2582491&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Virginia Democrats have pushed legislation to legalized Pace-O-Matic\u2019s skill-game gambling machines across the state, a move framed by supporters as a way to generate tax revenue and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/white-house-releases-list-of-president-trumps-accomplishments-and-it-is-historic\/\" title=\"White House Releases List of President Trump\u2019s Accomplishments \u2013  And It Is Historic!\">support small businesses<\/a> but criticized by opponents as expanding gambling and <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >potential public-safety risks<\/a>. Pace-O-Matic and its executives have donated more than $1.7 million to Virginia Democrats since 2023, with major contributions to key lawmakers such as Sen. Aaron Rouse, who sponsored gambling-expansion bills in the Senate and received over $140,000 from Pace-O-matic, plus other leaders including Louise Lucas, Debra Gardner, Rozia Henson, and don Scott. The bills SB661 and HB1272 would legalize the so-called skill games that mimic slot machines but claim to involve skill in outcomes; currently illegal yet widely found in restaurants, truck stops, and convenience stores.Proponents argue legalized, taxed machines would replace an illegal, unregulated market and provide revenue, while critics, including law-enforcement groups, worry about addiction and public safety.The measures have passed both chambers but still need Gov. Abigail Spanberger\u2019s signature to take effect; Spanberger herself has received donations from Pace-O-Matic, including funding to her inaugural committee, and comments from all parties are being sought.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Virginia Democrats push gambling bill after taking massive donations from gambling company<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2527640\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Virginia&rsquo;s Democratic legislature recently passed legislation that, if signed into law, will be a major boon for one of the state party&rsquo;s largest financial supporters.<\/p>\n<p>The gambling machine company Pace-O-Matic and its executives have given <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1TuhEZZRYx2rV73ZZa2drnRtMutOdln9PPkRQ5bm_qtA\/edit?usp=sharing\">over $1.7 million<\/a> to Virginia Democrats since 2023, including large sums during the recent 2025 elections, when Democrats retook control of the commonwealth&rsquo;s legislature. Practically as soon as Democrats descended on Richmond to begin the 2026 legislative session, they filed legislation in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/lis.virginia.gov\/bill-details\/20261\/SB661\">both<\/a> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/lis.virginia.gov\/bill-details\/20261\/HB1272\">chambers<\/a> that would legalize the &ldquo;skill game&rdquo; gambling machines manufactured by Pace-O-Matic across the commonwealth.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/4497327\/nevada-lt-governor-penalize-ethics-board-transgender-sport-debate\/\">Nevada lieutenant governor penalized by ethics board for inappropriate involvement in transgender sports debate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/4496690\/talarico-claims-oppose-big-business-while-benefiting\/\">Talarico claims to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/third-round-of-march-social-security-payments-goes-out-in-six-days\/\" title=\"Third round of March Social Security payments goes out in six days\">oppose big businesses&#038;rsquo<\/a>; influence while benefiting from it<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/4496219\/california-gop-purge-white-nationalist-groypers\/\">California GOP organizes purge of white nationalist &#8216;groypers&#8217;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The architects and primary supporters of the legislation were among those who received the most money from Pace-O-Matic.<\/p>\n<p>State Sen. Aaron Rouse (D) served as the patron of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/lis.virginia.gov\/bill-details\/20261\/SB661\">gambling expansion legislation<\/a> in the commonwealth&rsquo;s upper chamber. In Virginia&rsquo;s legislature, patrons are responsible for introducing legislation and guiding it through the entire legislative process, including defending it on the floor if necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Between 2023 and 2026, Rouse accepted over $140,000 in direct contributions from Pace-O-Matic and its executives, according to campaign finance records. During that period, Pace-O-Matic alone was Rouse&rsquo;s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/m.vpap.org\/candidates\/320293\/top_donors\/?start_year=2023&amp;end_year=2026\">tenth-largest overall donor<\/a>. Further, Rouse received <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/cardinalnews.org\/2025\/08\/08\/skill-game-operator-was-main-source-of-funds-to-federal-pac-that-donated-to-rouses-campaigns\/\">additional monetary support<\/a> indirectly from Pace-O-Matic via the Our States Matter PAC, a federal PAC primarily funded by Pace-O-Matic and people associated with the company. The PAC gave his campaign accounts $195,000 in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Rouse, long financially supported by Pace-O-Matic, has also represented the firm&rsquo;s interests as a state senator.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, for instance, he <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/virginiamercury.com\/2024\/04\/17\/future-of-skill-games-in-virginia-still-unclear-as-senate-rejects-youngkins-proposal\/\">sponsored legislation<\/a> to legalize Pace-O-Matic&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/public-transit-funding-and-the-road-not-yet-taken-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Public transit funding and the road not yet taken - Washington Examiner\">skill game machines<\/a>, only to be defeated by disagreements with the then-Republican governor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Defending the gambling expansion, Rouse has typically framed legalizing new gambling machines as an important source of income for small businesses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger during an interview at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo\/Steve Helber)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So-called skill games, the category of gambling machines that Rouse&rsquo;s most recent piece of legislation seeks to legalize, functionally play like slot machines. However, manufacturers of such games stress that their machines, which cost money to play and offer cash prizes, incorporate a degree of skill in determining outcomes, thereby distinguishing them from traditional gambling machines.<\/p>\n<p>Despite being illegal, skill games are common in restaurants, truck stops, and convenience stores across Virginia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Owners of these establishments, many of whom support Rouse&rsquo;s bill, have stressed that the machines help them stay in business. Critics of Rouse&rsquo;s legislation, meanwhile, oppose it on the grounds that it could contribute to rising levels of gambling addiction and will siphon money away from Virginians.<\/p>\n<p>Rouse is far from the only high-profile Democrat involved in promoting the legalization, and he has counted Pace-O-Matic and its executives as major donors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Del. Cliff Hayes (D-VA), the patron of the gambling expansion legislation in the commonwealth&rsquo;s lower chamber, has received $37,000 in contributions from Pace-O-Matic since 2023. During this period, Pace-O-Matic was Hayes&rsquo;s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/m.vpap.org\/candidates\/151974\/top_donors\/\">second-largest<\/a> overall donor.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;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,&rdquo; Hayes told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. &ldquo;They are not based on any single contributor or entity.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Hayes stressed in his statement to the <em>Washington Examiner <\/em>that taxes from skill games could raise significant revenue for the commonwealth and small business owners. He also claimed that the current ban has been ineffective, pointing to the large, unregulated, and untaxed illegal market that has flourished under it. According to Hayes, replacing this illegal market with a state-regulated, taxed market would be a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n<p>Opponents of the legislation see things differently.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;When you violate the law, there&rsquo;s consequences for violating the law; you should not be rewarded with, we&rsquo;re going to forget about all the violations of law that you had, and we&rsquo;re just going to go ahead and make this legal now,&rdquo; <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wric.com\/news\/politics\/capitol-connection\/future-of-skill-games-in-virginia-lies-with-governor-spanberger\/\">said Ray Clemons<\/a>, president of the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police.<\/p>\n<p>Clemons also argued that skill game machines may contribute to public safety problems.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;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,&rdquo; he told a local ABC affiliate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Other Democrats involved with the legislation who received significant support from Pace-O-Matic and its executives include longtime skill games supporter Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas (D), who accepted $165,000 in donations; legislative co-patron Del. Debra Gardner (D), who received $14,500 in contributions; legislative co-patron Del. Rozia Henson (D), who took in $3,500 from the company; and Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott (D), who the firm gave just over $75,000 between 2023 and 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Many rank-and-file legislators who voted in favor of the House and Senate bills to legalize skill games also received campaign checks from their manufacturers.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/3882760\/louise-lucas-questionabcampaign-funds-family-business-daughters-campaign-steaks\/\"><strong>VIRGINIA REDISTRICTING PUSH LEADER USED CAMPAIGN FUNDS ON FAMILY BUSINESS, DAUGHTER&rsquo;S CAMPAIGN, STEAKS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>While the bill to legalize skill games has passed the Virginia House and Senate, it still needs to be signed by Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/abigail-spanberger\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11780\">Abigail Spanberger<\/a> (D) before it can become law. Pace-O-Matic donated <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vpap.org\/donors\/324698\/recipient\/597946\/?start_year=2023&amp;end_year=2026&amp;recip_type=all\">$50,000<\/a> to Spanberger&rsquo;s 2026 inaugural committee, records show.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Spanberger, Pace-O-Matic, and the Democratic lawmakers mentioned above were contacted for comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VA Dems back gambling bill after big Pace-O-Matic gifts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":894,"featured_media":2582492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Fea.SecondAmend2.031826.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[69845,23297,4198,5894],"class_list":["post-2582491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-campaign-finance-2","tag-gambling","tag-lobbying","tag-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Fea.SecondAmend2.031826.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2582491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/894"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2582491"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2582491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2582495,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2582491\/revisions\/2582495"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2582492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2582491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2582491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2582491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}