Del. Ed Scott of Culpeper is sponsoring HB 1832 for the VTA and VHBPA. The primary item in this bill was the creation of Restricted Wagering Facilities (RWFs) which would allow Colonial Downs to open small OTBs in existing restaurants without an enabling referendum. The bill called for local and VRC approval to open the small OTBs (RWFs) which would be similar to the ones currently operating at Finn McCool’s and Mulligans, both in Richmond.
Unfortunately, prominent Republicans in the House of Delegates have no appetite for bills that they see “expanding gambling” and little interest in our argument that with 5,000 lottery outlets, almost unlimited charitable gaming and the Internet, there really is no place left to expand gambling – it’s everywhere.
That said, we are still pursuing the passage of the bill without the RWF component as it contains some housekeeping measures. In addition, we will be seeking an informal General Assembly study on the racing and breeding industries. This will allow the industry to have an audience with a group of legislators for the purpose of presenting the facts of our case for needed growth in the face of intense out-of-state and slot machine-fueled competition.
Colonial Downs is pursuing several pieces of legislation through the Senate. SB 1429 would increase the number of traditional OTBs from 10 to 20 along with other technical and political items. While this bill will likely pass the Senate, it will face stiff opposition in the House.
The Virginia Racing Commission is pursuing two bills – SB 1333 and SB 1332. We predict the provisions of SB 1333 will be incorporated into another bill. Its primary purpose is to give the VRC the ability to adjust the takeout on wagers in Virginia placed on live racing in Virginia (about 5% of the total handle). The other bill, SB 1332, deals with various issues related to those pursuing a “limited” license to conduct live racing the likes of the Strawberry Hill race meet held at Colonial Downs. This bill should be seen as “non-controversial” and pass both houses.
Finally, Senator Tommy Norment will once again offer a bill to permit “historic horseracing” or Instant Racing as it is known in Arkansas and other jurisdictions. This bill was merged with a similar bill offered by the horsemen and breeders through Senator Mark Herring. Herrings bill gave a larger percentage to purses and the Breeders Fund and Norment agreed to the changes. Several version of this bill have passed the Senate in previous years only to be killed by the leadership of the House of Delegates.
We will keep you posted about what you can do to help as these bills make their ways to various committees.
To read the details of any of these bills, click here and use the bill search box in the lower left.
7 comments:
I see no benefit in blaming the defeat of any gambling bill at the hands of "prominent Republicans". The issues should stand on their own and if we keep on blaming a certain element of the legislature, instead of working with them, then nothing will be accomplished.
Perhaps it would suit those with a vested interested in these bills to better focus their efforts in educating the members of both the House and the Senate on the benefits of horseracing in Virginia, which I feel is lacking. Therefore maybe some of the blame should be placed on the sender rather then the receiver of the information.
Tidewaterhorse, I believe the legislators are well-versed in the issues. The problem is the leadership won't let our bills reach the house floor where they can be voted on based on the merits as you advocate. Regular members are reluctant to support bills that make it more difficult for them to get reelected when various advocacy groups paint them as "pro-gambling" and anti-family, etc. There is no benefit from blaming the Republican leadership in the House for defeating our legislation year after year, but that is what the facts show and (unfortunately) it can be confirmed daily inside the General Assembly building.
@Tidewater-The infurating part of the Republicans in Virginia who actively work to defeat horse racing bills is that these are the same people who claim to be "pro-business" and "anti-regulation."
To which, as a Republican myself, I am perplexed. This is a jobs bill. So why defeat the bill? They use social and "value voter" reasons that have no foundation in fact. Its why I continue to vote for the Republicans in national elections and against them in state elections (except for Sen. Quayle, I like him and he likes us.)
Gordon, it's perplexing. Many members of the GA (both parties) cointinue to worry about the expansion of gambling even while surfing the Internet on thier iPad...They just don't seem to understand how it has already expanded exponentially. When you show them that they can place and watch a legal ADW bet on that same iPad they are amazed or bemused or horrified...As a result, they penalize the regulated wagering that produces jobs and positive impacts, while the illegal wagering that does squat for the economy flourishes. Frustrating at best...
I understand everyone's frustration, although its seems that Republicans in the House and Senate are at times at opposite ends of horse racing bills.
I did noticed that on SB 1347, 5 democrats and 4 republicans voted for the bill, to pass the committee. What does this foretell in the House is that for some reason, the message is not getting to the general house members passed Speaker Howell. I do know that when I speak to delegates in my area, they are pretty ignorant on horse racing issues.
But I can honestly say that I do my part to pass on my knowledge and "wisdom" to them at every opportunity I get.
Things tend to run a bit more toward the merit argument in the Senate. For example, Houck voted no on SB1347 and he's been friendly to racing and horses in general over the years. He may be one of many Senators who think fixing the road problem with unpredictable gambling money is bad policy...Doesn't run down party lines in the Senate -- in fact, over the years, the moderate Republicans have been our biggest allies. Bring back Ken Stolle!
what a great resource ..
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