I’m not a specialist in Virginia politics, but it appears that Senator Louise Lucas along with other legislators may be pushing to allow slot machines in gas stations, potentially limiting local (city or county) veto power. This proposed change looks like a significant shift in policy. Personally, I’d be more in favor of a statewide initiative to legalize townhouses. What are your thoughts on either proposal?
i think that permitting slot machines state wide is bound to raise a lot of issues beyond just revenue. based on my experience, these changes tend to shift both economic and social responsibilities in ways that might strain local governance. while some see a benefit in providing additional income through taxes, i believe that such a move might not sufficiently address concerns about gambling related harms. shift in regulatory power also means less accountability at a community level. further research and debate are needed to reveal the long term impacts of such policies.