293 comments
Now that the Governor has signed House Bill 1609 legalizing historical horse race/slot machines at Colonal Downs and 10 other locations around Virginia, the real work of writing the rules and regulations overseeing their usage has begun. Recently, Governor Northam made a number of very important recomendations to the Virginia Racing Commission concerning those regulations. These include limiting the total amount of machines statewide to 3000, and also putting a cap on the number of machines allowed in each locality according to population. He also stipulated that if Colonial wants more than 35% of the maximum allowed machines in a particular locality, they will need the approval of local goverment. For example Richmond and Henrico both qualify for 700 machines. That means Colonial can install up to 245 slot machines without local approval in either location. If they want more than 245 machines (the other 65%) they will then need to obtain approval of City Council or the Henrico Board of Supervisors respectively.
In an interview on ESPN Radio on Saturday July 24th, Debbie Easter, President of the Virginia Equine Association described the Governor's plan as "not well thought out". She stated she would like to see the Governor's recomendations changed to allow an unlimited amout of gaming machines and less supervision. This is not surprising considering the VEA is an umbrella group that represents four other horsemen's special interest groups that will all share in the millions of $$$ in profits from the installation of each and every new slot machine.
Governor Northam got it right. His recomended restrictions are an acknowledgment that Virginians who live in the locations where these slots are proposed to be placed, were offered no opportunity to be part of the decision making process at any point along the way. Our citizenry was basically kept in the dark for months, until the opening day of the 2018 General Assembly session when details of this bill became public. What is most disturbing is that our own Virginia Racing Commission was fully aware of this initiative since June of 2017, and even helped assist with the passage of this bill, but never once made any attempt to inform the public of their actions. Not one time in 6 months.
When Virginians went to the polls and voted in referendums legalizing simulcast horse race wagering in Richmond, Henrico and 8 other locations around Virginia as far back as 1992, those votes were never intended to be used to allow for the installation of slot machines 26 years later. The Governor has taken a step in the right direction by only allowing Colonial Downs to install no more than 35% of the machines allowed in each location unless they receive local approval. But that's still not good enough for the Virginians that live in these communities. They deserve 100% control.
The solution to this is simple. In the 10 locations that have already passed referendums, we should require local approval to install even a single machine. Control of whether or not slot machines will be allowed in a specific locality should be the decision of the Virginians who live there, and not left up to the out of state owners of Colonial Downs.
Governor Northam took a big step in the right direction when he recommended to allow no more than 35% of the allotted number of slot machines to be installed without local approval. Now it's up to the VRC to follow the Governor's lead and restore that remaining 35% control back to these 10 localities so they will once again have 100% control of what goes on in their own neighborhoods. As it should be.
Tad Berman
Richmond
ype over this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.
To whom it may concern, I consider the legislation to allow betting on horse racing to be a travesty. It will drain money from local communities to support an industry that contributes nothing to the development of our families. I most certainly do not want any casinos in my neighborhood.
Bad idea. Do not do this! This exploits poor people. We do not need this in our communities in Virginia.
Sincerely,
At a minimum, there should be a reasonable cap on the total number of machines statewide. Kentucky, the horse-racing Mecca of the U.S., has just over 1,800. Virginia certainly shouldn’t start with more than that as we wade into these uncharted waters. To the greatest extent possible, the HHR machines should be a true extension of the horse racing industry, rather than merely an excuse for casino gaming. For starters, HHR machines should display the actual video replay of the horse races that are being wagered on, and the machines must fully comply with the requirements for live horse races. A portion of the profits should be set aside for a fund to help problem gamblers keep from ruining their lives and their families’ lives before eventually “saddling” the taxpayers with the expense of the numerous public services they will otherwise require. Furthermore, the regulations should guarantee each community’s ability to determine whether it wants these “mini casinos” in their neighborhoods.
Before these regulatons are implemented I believe the following needs to be done:
At a minimum, there should be a reasonable cap on the total number of machines statewide. Kentucky, the horse-racing Mecca of the U.S., has just over 1,800. Virginia certainly shouldn’t start with more than that as we wade into these uncharted waters. To the greatest extent possible, the HHR machines should be a true extension of the horse racing industry, rather than merely an excuse for casino gaming. For starters, HHR machines should display the actual video replay of the horse races that are being wagered on, and the machines must fully comply with the requirements for live horse races. A portion of the profits should be set aside for a fund to help problem gamblers keep from ruining their lives and their families’ lives before eventually "saddling" the taxpayers with the expense of the numerous public services they will otherwise require. Furthermore, the regulations should guarantee each community’s ability to determine whether it wants these "mini casinos" in their neighborhoods.
The gambling industry has got its head inside the tent, and now wants to spread slot machines by the tens of thousands in neighborhoods all across Virginia. This is potentially disastrous for our communities unless strong regulations are carefully thought out and implemted.
At a minimum, there should be a reasonable cap on the total number of machines statewide. The governor has suggested that 3000 machines is a good number, but we object. That is way too many of these "casino type" slot machines. Kentucky, the horse-racing Mecca of the U.S., has just over 1,800. Virginia certainly shouldn’t start with any more than that as we wade into these uncharted waters.
Many other controls also need to be applied, lest the situation get totally out of hand. To the greatest extent possible, the HHR machines should be a true extension of the horse racing industry, rather than merely an excuse for casino gaming.
For starters, HHR machines should display the actual video replay of the horse races that are being wagered on, and the machines must fully comply with all the requirements for betting on live horse races.
Also, a substantial portion of the profits should be set aside for a fund to help problem gamblers, to help keep them from ruining their lives and bankrupting their families before eventually saddling the taxpayers with the expense of the numerous public services they will otherwise require.
Furthermore, the regulations should guarantee each community’s ability to determine whether it wants these “mini casinos” in their neighborhoods. Allowing ANY in without community approval should be forbidden.
We urge the Commission to think long and hard about this new gambling scheme, and carefully regulate it in the interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, not those of the gambling industry.
I wish to register my opposition to gambling in Virginia. I believe it has not been a positive influence nor provided the promised "financial" benefits, in light of the negative impact on mostly lower income families I have personally witnessed routinely participating. But whether my perceptions are accurate or not, the mindset it promotes of getting rich from "a few dollars", does not foster a healthy life/work attitude.
Has anyone ever truly seen significant winings from a $1.00 ticket?. And if they have, the studies I have read would indicate that the long term impact on the largest majority of winners has been overwhelmingly negative.
Respectfully,
Mark Jordan
Newport News, VA
There is an indisputable body of evidence that casinos and slot-like gaming machines exploit the poor and only exacerbate their poverty. And today's modern slots gambling machines are designed to be the most addictive form of gambling ever developed. A Chicago-based gaming company should have no say WHATSOEVER in the extent these machines are installed in Virginia. Decisions on mini-casinos of any kind should be left up to the locality in which the casino would be located, and at a minimum, there should be a reasonable cap on the total number of machines state-wide. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from these machines should be earmarked for gambling addiction programs and services in Virginia. Thank you.
Please no HHRs. Gambling destroys families
I am not in favor or allowing this type of gambling in our state and certainly in my community. It is addictive and does nothing but drain funds especially from the poorer segment of our community.
Historical Horse Racing or any type of gambling is not beneficial to our community any where, any time. Gambling is addictive and does not encourage a good work work ethic nor teach good investment of money. Gambling will take money from those who need it most. I would like to see all gambling leave Virginia!
...Would attract unwanted crime and be difficult for our family oriented neighborhoods in general. we have family friendly communities and this would denigrate that. These types of operations if allowed at all should be Limited to major metropolitan areas where those types of activities already occur. Keep our communities safe for our children. Gambling attracts crime.
Betting on Horse Racing in VA.
PLEASE NO HHRs. GAMBLING DESTROYS FAMILIES.
I am not in favor or allowing this type of gambling in our state and certainly in my community. It is addictive and does nothing but drain funds especially from the poorer segment of our community.
I consider the legislation to allow betting on horse racing to be a travesty. It will drain money from local communities to support an industry that contributes nothing to the development of our families. I most certainly do not want any casinos in my neighborhood.
There is an indisputable body of evidence that casinos and slot-like gaming machines exploit the poor and only exacerbate their poverty. And today's modern slots gambling machines are designed to be the most addictive form of gambling ever developed. A Chicago-based gaming company should have NO SAY WHATSOEVER in the extent these machines are installed in Virginia. Decisions on mini-casinos of any kind should be left up to the locality in which the casino would be located, and at a minimum, there should be a reasonable cap on the total number of machines state-wide. In addition, a substantial portion of the proceeds from these machines should be earmarked for gambling addiction programs and services in Virginia.
Now that the Governor has signed House Bill 1609 legalizing historical horse race/slot machines at Colonal Downs and 10 other locations around Virginia, the real work of writing the rules and regulations overseeing their usage has begun.
Recently, Governor Northam made a number of very important recommendations to the Virginia Racing Commission concerning those regulations. These include limiting the total amount of machines statewide to 3000, and also putting a cap on the number of machines allowed in each locality according to population. He also stipulated that if Colonial wants more than 35% of the maximum allowed machines in a particular locality, they will need the approval of local government. For example Richmond and Henrico both qualify for 700 machines. That means Colonial can install up to 245 slot machines without local approval in either location. If they want more than 245 machines (the other 65%) they will then need to obtain approval of City Council or the Henrico Board of Supervisors respectively.
Governor Northam got it wrong. He should not have signed this bill. His recommended restrictions are an acknowledgment that Virginians who live in the locations where these slots are proposed to be placed, were offered no opportunity to be part of the decision making process at any point along the way. Our citizenry was basically kept in the dark for months, until the opening day of the 2018 General Assembly session when details of this bill became public. What is most disturbing is that our own Virginia Racing Commission was fully aware of this initiative since June of 2017, and even helped assist with the passage of this bill, but never once made any attempt to inform the public of their actions. Not one time in 6 months. Virginians that live in these communities deserve 100% control.
The solution to this is simple. In the 10 locations that have already passed referendums, we should require local approval to install even a single machine. Control of whether or not slot machines will be allowed in a specific locality should be the decision of the Virginians who live there and not left up to the out of state owners of Colonial Downs.
Governor Northam committed a disservice to the people of this state when he allotted a number of slot machines to be installed without local approval. Now it's up to the VRC to restore that remaining 35% control back to these 10 localities so they will once again have 100% control of what goes on in their own neighborhoods. As it should be.
Please vote against the gambling expansion! I grew up a few blocks from a casino and I noticed a significant change in our community after it was built. Several pawn shops sprung up right after it opened and are still opperating now. There was an increase in thefts in the area and in hopelessness. Gambling is addictive and the deeply people involved in it are largely unable to control and self-regulate this addiction. The victims will be their spouses, their children and our communities!
I am opposed to ALL gambling. It hurts to many people.
If we have to go ahead with this, regulations should guarantee each community’s ability to determine whether it wants these “mini casinos” in their neighborhoods.
I am opposed to more gambling in the form of “historical horse racing” (HHR) or the slots-like gaming machines that house them.
I used to live in Maryland, where they pulled the bait and switch routine in order to get gambling into the state. They said it would only be used to help the horse racing industry, and be limited to slot machines at race tracks. It took no time at all after it was approved to start opening large casinos left and right, and then abandon the race tracks to shut down.
This is all about gambling revenue to feed their spending habits. It brought crime around the casinos. The purpose was abandoned in favor of opening more and more large casinos in Maryland. The same thing is being proposed here in Virginia.
NO! Do not open any casinos or allow any gambling anywhere, it is a tax on the poor who go there with hopes of getting rich, and the politicians use it to feed their large government programs in state to expand political power and presence. This is a bait and switch, and any limits will be short lived. Don't fall for this, and vote against any and all gambling in Virginia.
Gambling is a gateway activity inviting nefarious persons with negative behaviors into our communities. Past experience is the best predictor of future outcomes. Please note the many places where betting became addictive to persons who lost more than they could afford. The tax money you get is not worth the price in negative impact on our society. It will deteriorate to cost more to solve the problems it creates than the “benefit “ of taxes it brings in.
Historical Horse Racing “HHR” is a thinly disguised form of casino gambling. Virginia already profits from its Lottery, and the loose connection HHR claims it has to horse racing does not make it a new idea worth considering. If you feel we need more gambling, then call it what it is and demand that it meets established criteria and neighborhood approval before foisting it upon Virginia residents.
The National Gambling Impact Study Commission stated the following regarding racetrack casinos: Recommendation 3-12 - "The Commission recommends that states should refuse to allow the introduction of casino-style gambling into pari-mutuel facilities for the primary purpose of saving a pari-mutuel facility that the market has determined no longer serves the community or for the purpose of competing with other forms of gambling."
Recommend that the Commission limit the number of machines to less than 1,000 in order to minimize the impact to citizens who are most vulnerable to the attraction, addiction and consequences of gambling.
The results of gambling are clear:
I am disappointed that this bill has been approved and will take that up with my delegate.
Please minimize the negative impact by reducing the scope.
Thank you for your consideration.
Gambling is a terrible sin, and the wages of every sin leads to death. It's a sin because it makes a honest man depend on the "luck of the draw" rather than divine providence in God to supply for their every need. Gambling is most insidious because it targets those in a weakened economic state. Those who are barely making ends meet are prone to "bet it all" on winning (and then, of course, lose).
The only people who get rich from gambling are the people who own such institutions. They are a parasite which sucks the life from an economy, leaves an impoverished community, then when all the wealth is sucked out of an area, will leave it to its final destruction of addiction and crime. Gambling produces no products, no service, it is a form of addictive entertainment which will only cost people their property, their happiness, and even their lives. The idea of gambling costing even a single family it's happy place in the world is enough of an incentive for me to never permit a single form of gambling within the state.
And I pray this "God, let those in charge see your will, and if they swerve from it, then judge their disobedience and hold harmless those who obey you." Amen.
Years ago when I taught high school science, I spent 20 minutes of class time once each year. I issued each student $2,000 in play money and proceeded to take the money back using different "games of chance" found in gambling houses. This short session (spiced with a couple of magic tricks) was a favorite with the students. I recovered >90% of all "bets" and urged my students to consider the experience a "life lesson" on gambling of any fashion.
Schools should consider teaching this and other "life lessons" along with subject matter. This country needs informed, smart young people to remain a thriving free-enterprise capitalistic nation...not degrade into another failed socialist state.
Adding any type of gambling to the commonwealth is simply taking more money away from the working class to then offer more "benefits" in exchange for re-election.
"Wake up Virginia...it is getting late!"
Vr, Tom
I am saddened to hear horse racing machines and casino gampling may come to Va. I feel this will downgrade some of our morals and cause major difficulties for some families. I ask that this be voted down and not come to Virginia.
There is enough gambling in Virginia through the lottery with the multiple games that are available. We do not need to add the HHS machines to the mix. This will only add to the problem of addiction to gaming. The lottery is enough.
Virginia needs NO more gampling opportunities! Gampling only increases the suffering of the poor as they spend their meger resources on the chance to win big. Families are torn apart. People become addicited and lose everything! Gambling is not right for Virginia!
Gambling is a diservice to Virginians. It is known to negatively impact vulnerable low-inome persons.
Proposed ideas for mini horse race-type gambling hubs is just allowing the camel to get his nose under the tent for expanding gambling in VA. We can find more wholesome ways for Virginians to enjoy pastimes without risk to their all important incomes.
Hello,
I urge you not to allow gambling to expand in Virginia. It does not serve the public interest and it oftend leads to financial problems and creates an environment that is not family-friendly. We don't need this! Thank you for your consideration.
Type over this texNO HHR in VA111t and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.
Why would anyone want more easy access to gambling. It's potential for addictive behavior; piling up debt that causes heart ache to themselves and to their families. Please no!
We do not need more broken lives and families from gambling addictions. There is no horse racing entertainment in these machines - just pure gambling. Please say no.
We do not need more attractions for the lower income folk to spend their monies for the “pie in the sky deal.” The taxpayer will not only be called upon to support families who squander their monies and to rehabilitate those who become addicted.
The only winners in this scheme are the promotors.
To Whom it May Concern,
I urge you to use your regulator power to restrain the potentially massive growth of gambling machines that might otherwise result from the legislative decision to allow historical horse racing machines to be installed in some areas of Virginia.
These machines are essentially the same as slot machines. Large venues of slot machines will not be supported by the people of Virginia. Please limit the scope and nature of these machines to a large degree. I urge you to pass regulations that do all of the following:
1. Set a reasonable cap on the number of historical horse racing machines that can be installed in Virginia as a whole but also in particular communities. Even Kentucky has less than two thousand of thse machines in their commonwealth. We certainly should not have more than that.
2. Grant local communities ultimate decision making prerogative over the installation of these machines in their communities.
3. Require the machines to meet all of the standards of pari-mutual wagers and display actual horse races, not cartoons or animations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Sean Maguire
Please do not approve HHR, gambling machines in VA. There should be no gambling in our state. I am quickly becoming ashamed of this once great state.There are too many liberal, immoral ideas regarding legislation. I helped a friend of mine initiate the one man and one woman definition of marriage wnich was incorporated into law. Parental rights regarding abortion have been threatened as well as immoral ideas regarding the teaching of family life to our children. Families face enough difficulty as it is. We don't need gambling added to the mix.
It is only reasonable that each locality should be able to impose some restrictions over these betting
machines, limiting numbers, localities, etc. I am in favor of all the ideas set forth by Family Forum
to do this. Margaret Dennis
Please stop this new avenue of gambling from invading our communities.
Please do not allow the slot machine style horse race betting into our community or state. It will lead to more problems in the community. Gambling provides no positive outcome.
Please do not bring these machines to Chesterfield Va.
Thank you,
Joyce Young
I used to live in the Poconos in PA, and saw what the gambling casinos have done to the surrounding communities. Increased crime of all sorts and a general cheapening of what used to be a very beautiful area;drawing busloads of tourists just to get their money. Please don't do that to Virginia! e over this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.
This has no place in VA. It will disproportionately affect the disadvantaged. It promotes corruption. It's a cheap way for the State to get money. I will be watching who supports this in our government and vote accordingly.
Thank you.
Please represent my family and and vote NO TO ALL BILLS RELATED TO HORSE RACING IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. We do Not need any additional options at all for gambling and gaming. It is harmful for our communites and families. We need to promote positive values and choices for our citizens and especially modeling to our children.