RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Hundreds of convenience stores affiliated with the Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition (VA MAC) have announced that they will stop selling Virginia Lottery tickets until “a path forward for skill games” is added to the state’s budget.

Beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, member stores will halt all sales of Virginia Lottery tickets to customers, according to a VA MAC press release.

This will continue until Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and the General Assembly can agree on protections for skill games and include them in the state’s budget.

The intent of this boycott is simple — to create economic pressure. Lottery data shows Virginia stores sell over $12.5 million in lottery tickets every single day, generating $2.3 million in proceeds.

“By stopping Virginia Lottery sales, convenience store owners across the Commonwealth will show the economic impact that the closing of convenience stores will have on the Virginia Lottery and the tax revenue they generate,” the release reads. “They will also show their continued support for legislative champions who continue to fight for small businesses.”

Convenience stores in the Virginia boycotted Youngkin’s amendments before on April 15 — however, this strike only lasted one day. This boycott’s timing is notable, as budget talks are now ongoing and a vote for a new state budget is planned for May 15.

Youngkin previously made changes to a bill meant to legalize these games — prompting immediate upset for many Virginia small business owners.

Youngkin’s proposed changes included banning skill game machines within 35 miles of a casino and within 2,500 feet of a school or place of worship. In addition, Youngkin proposed increasing the tax rate on the machine’s profits from 25% to 35%.

The map shown below, provided by State Sen. Bill Stanley (R), shows the areas where that ban would apply. Areas within the pink circles or covered by red squares would not be allowed to have skill games under Youngkin’s proposal.

A graphic shows the areas where skill games would not be allowed under Governor Youngkin’s skill games amendments. Places covered by pink circles or red squares, would not be allowed to have skill games under the amendment. (Photo: Bill Stanley)

Youngkin has previously defended these changes, saying that, among other things, they added considerations for “public safety and for consumer protection.”

8News reached out to Youngkin’s office for comment on this boycott’s announcement. At the time of reporting, we have not received a response.

This first day of the boycott, 8News team members will be going out to speak with some of those participating. We will provide updates when available.