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.