Owner of Colonial Downs allowed to operate gambling machines

Virginia is expected to soon re-emerge as a hot bed of thoroughbred racing and breeding with word Monday that Gov. Ralph Northam (D) has signed a bill that allows the owner of Colonial Downs to operate gambling machines at the track and at as many as 10 off-track betting facilities.

Notham also issued a comprehensive directive to the state’s racing commission asking for specific regulations that require the “placement of reasonable limitations on the proliferation” of gambling in the state and “maximize opportunities for public engagement, comment, and public review” during the drafting and approval of the regulations.

The directive additionally calls for “local community options in determining whether to allow” the devices, known as historical horseracing machines. The machines resemble slot machines and provide videos of previously run races in which players bet on the outcome.

Colonial Downs, well regarded in the racing world for its expansive grass course, last hosted live horse racing in 2014 and is currently owned by Jacobs Entertainment. However, a Chicago-based company, Revolutionary Racing, expects to buy the track from Jacobs contingent upon the betting terminals becoming legal.

Source: gamingtoday.com