11VAC10. Virginia Racing Commission
VAC AGENCY NO. 10
VIRGINIA RACING COMMISSION
AGENCY SUMMARY
The Virginia Racing Commission, pursuant to Article 1 (§ 59.1-364) of Chapter 29 of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia, is responsible for controlling all horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering in the Commonwealth and for promulgating regulations and conditions under which horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering is conducted and under which simulcast horse racing is conducted at a licensed horse racetrack or satellite facility in the Commonwealth.
The commission is authorized by Article 1 (§ 59.1-364) of Chapter 29 of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia to disburse funds from the Virginia Breeders Fund to certain breeders and owners of Virginia-bred horses. The commission has the power to issue or deny licenses to owners and operators of horse racetracks or facilities where race meetings are held and pari-mutuel wagering is permitted, and may suspend or revoke the licenses pursuant to Article 2 (§ 59.1-375) of Chapter 29 of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia.
The commission may issue or deny permits to individuals who participate in horse racing or in the conduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering thereon, and may suspend or revoke the permits pursuant to Article 3 (§ 59.1-387) of Chapter 29 of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia. Pursuant to § 59.1-391 of the Code of Virginia, licenses to construct, establish, or own a racetrack may not be granted by the commission until approved in a referendum held in each county or city in which the track or its facilities are to be located.
The commission operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. The provisions concerning horse racing and pari-mutuel betting were approved by the 1988 Virginia General Assembly and by a majority of voters in a referendum held in November 1988. Regulations may be obtained from the commission at 10700 Horsemens Road, New Kent, VA 23124. The commission's website can be found at http://www.vrc.virginia.gov.
Rev. 07/2024