Dear Virginia Racing Commissioners,

I urge you to re-consider the recent regulations on simulcast horse racing machines by further limiting the number of machines from 3,000 to 1,000.  There is no way that Virginia can support 3,000 machines for the horse industry if Kentucky has less than 2,000.  It is unclear how that number was reached, but it seems extremely high and quite suspect.  I have supported live racing at Colonial Downs and am hopeful that once it opens it will have a positive impact on the horse industry and Virginia.   I share the excitement for cleaner and more improved off-track betting sites in Richmond, but I also have concerns as to where they are placed.  Far too long these parlors have been in economically depressed areas and need to be in 1-localities that want them, 2- by a vote of a local government, and 3-in entertainment areas and not near neighborhoods.  These machines are quite different than what was supported by us in the initial referendums years ago, so please keep that in mind.  Thank you.