The Virginia Legislature has a paranoia with the very subject of gambling (Shudder...don't dare utter the word!).  Chronic paralysis on timely, effective management of the varied product....many decades beyond 'a day late and a dollar short'.  They simply keep missing the boat of opportunity and over time have cost their constituants billions of dollars in discretionary tax revenue, job opportunites and community devlopment resources.  Just go to Northern Virginia at the base of the Wilson Bridge and gaze across the Potomac River where you will see a very large white building complex with the signage MGM.  Now watch the traffic heading from Virginia across the bridge to Maryland...just imagine the number of Virginia dollars that are leaving the state to benefit the cofers of another state.  West Virginia gets in on the action too, loving the benefits of Virginians hard earned cash.  And then there are the illegal shops and offshore accounts.  Making money on other peoples money.  Thank goodness North Carolina hasn't gotten in on the act...yet.  While I am an international Thoroughbred industry professional wanting to see the Virginia equine industry grow, this topic goes far beyond benefitting the parochial interest of a beat down industry.  There is opportunity here if you have the vision and expertise to manage effectively...just look around the world for succesful example and make a better plan to have the dollars come to you.