Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Virginia?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Virginia. Skill machines in Virginia bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Virginia. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Virginia; Carrom has none anywhere yet. All 5 of Virginia's neighbors have cash play at the Skillz level too. Virginia taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Virginia, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Virginia
| Game | Cash play in Virginia | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Virginia |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Virginia |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Virginia |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Virginia |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Virginia |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Virginia |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Virginia |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Virginia |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Virginia |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Virginia |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Virginia |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Virginia
Every game plays free first, so Virginia players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Virginia
Virginia taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Virginia return. The Virginia Department of Taxation decides how Virginia treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Virginia players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Virginia
Every state bordering Virginia has cash play at the Skillz level. Ball Pool Cash's listing also excludes neighboring Tennessee.
Questions about skill-game apps in Virginia
Can I play Atay games for cash in Virginia?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Virginia. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Virginia I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Virginia Beach and Richmond get the same answer.
Do I need to do anything when I drive from Virginia into Tennessee?
No. Tennessee also has cash play at the Skillz level, and the app checks your location when you play. One difference: Ball Pool Cash's listing excludes Tennessee.
Does Virginia tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Virginia has a state income tax; check the Virginia Department of Taxation's guidance for your situation.
Virginia status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.