New form of gambling may pass in Virginia
A plan where ATM like machines would allow gamblers to wager on previously run races is being considered by state legislators in Virginia.
The new wave pari-mutuel betting system is already being used by the state of Arkansas, and relies on the ATM-like machine’s ability to contain video of races that have already been run. Without knowing where or when the races took place, the bettor is still provided with the same information-such as the records of the horses, jockeys and trainers- that would be provided if they were taking in a live program.
Estimated to bring in $500 million dollars annually to state coffers, the program could provide an answer to Virginia’s transportation funding dilemma. For the proposed “instant racing� to become a reality, the measure must first pass through the General Assembly’s special session on transportation that is set to begin on September 27. Del. Phil Hamilton who filed the legislation, says the bill would dedicate 49 percent of the game’s revenue to the transportation trust fund.
A 1988 Virginia referendum established pari-mutuel wagering and horse racing in the state. Taking advantage of Colonial Downs and the regions nine off-track betting parlors, it is expected to take 18 months to two years to fully implement the “instant racing� program.
-Danny Davis