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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 11. Gaming
7/28/2026

11VAC10. Virginia Racing Commission

VAC AGENCY NO. 10

VIRGINIA RACING COMMISSION

AGENCY SUMMARY

The Virginia Racing Commission, pursuant to Article 1 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) 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 of Chapter 29 of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia to administer and disburse funds from the Virginia Breeders Fund to certain breeders and owners of Virginia-bred horses and owners of Virginia sires. 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, an initial license to construct, establish, operate, or own a racetrack or satellite facility may not be granted by the commission until approved in a referendum held in each county, city, or town in which the racetrack or satellite facility is 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 https://vrc.virginia.gov.

Rev. 7/2026

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

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