Virginia Operators For Skill, a political action committee backed by entities involved in skill games operations, contributed $5,000 to Friends of Russet Perry on May 18, 2026. Russet Perry serves as the Democratic senator representing Virginia’s 31st Senate District, which covers parts of Fauquier and Loudoun counties. Perry assumed office in January 2024 following her election in 2023.
The donation comes amid ongoing legislative efforts to legalize and regulate skill games in Virginia. Earlier in 2026, Senate Bill 661 advanced through the General Assembly and headed to the governor’s desk. The measure would authorize the Virginia Lottery to issue licenses for manufacturers, distributors, operators, and host locations of skill games, with provisions for local opt-out referendums and age restrictions prohibiting play by those under 21. Skill games have faced prior restrictions, including criminal penalties for illegal gambling operations under Virginia code.
Virginia Operators For Skill has directed funds to multiple candidates across party lines. Records show contributions including $20,000 to Cliff Hayes, $11,000 to Debra Gardner, $5,000 to Briana Sewell, $2,500 to Rozia Henson, $2,500 to Travis Hackworth, and $1,000 to Jeffrey L Campbell. The PAC, which lists Pom of Virginia LLC as a major supporter with $250,000 in contributions to the committee, has also provided support to other recipients such as those connected to skilled gaming interests in Henrico and Richmond areas.
The committee maintains cash on hand of $23,862 and has recorded total contributions exceeding $272,500 alongside expenditures of $276,000. Skill games, often located in convenience stores, became subject to stricter enforcement after previous legislative changes in 2022. Proponents of legalization argue for regulatory frameworks and revenue generation, while the PAC’s activities focus on advancing operator interests through political support.
This latest contribution aligns with the PAC’s pattern of engaging Virginia candidates on issues related to gaming regulation. Perry’s campaign committee, Friends of Russet Perry, received the funds directly from the Virginia-based entity located at 5612 Eastport Blvd in Richmond. Additional filings indicate the donor’s involvement in multiple reporting periods, including earlier contributions tracked through state election records.
Virginia Operators For Skill operates as a committee under state oversight, with financial activity documented through public transparency platforms. The May 2026 donation represents one instance in a broader series of transfers aimed at influencing policy discussions around skill-based gaming devices. Legislative outcomes from the 2026 session continue to shape the regulatory environment for these machines, which previously operated in a legal gray area before enforcement actions.
