Chapter 20. Regulations Pertaining to Horse Racing with Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Part I
General Provisions
11VAC10-20-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Act" means Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia.
"Breakage" means the odd cents by which the amount payable on each dollar wagered exceeds a multiple of $ .10.
"Carryover" means the nondistributed pool moneys which are retained and added to a corresponding pool in accordance with this chapter.
"Commission" means the Virginia Racing Commission.
"Enclosure" means all areas of the property of a track to which admission can be obtained only by payment of an admission fee or upon presentation of authorized credentials, and any additional areas designated by the commission.
"Entry" means two or more horses in a race that are treated as a single wagering interest for pari-mutuel wagering purposes.
"Expired ticket" means an outstanding ticket which was not presented for redemption within the required time period for which it was issued.
"Handle" means the total amount of all pari-mutuel wagering sales excluding refunds and cancellations.
"Horse owner" means a person owning an interest in a horse.
"Horse racing" means a competition on a set course involving a race among horses on which pari-mutuel wagering is permitted.
"Licensee" includes any person holding an owner's or operator's license, or any other license issued by the commission.
"Limited license" means a license issued by the commission allowing the holder to conduct a race meeting or meetings, with pari-mutuel wagering privileges, for a period not exceeding 14 days in any calendar year.
"Member" includes any person designated a member of a nonstock corporation, and any person who by means of a pecuniary or other interest in such corporation exercises the power of a member.
"Minus pool" means that the payout is in excess of the net pool.
"Mutuel field" means two or more horses are treated as a single wagering interest because the number of wagering interests exceeds the number that can be handled individually by the totalizator.
"Net pool" means the amount of gross pari-mutuel ticket sales less refundable wagers and retainage.
"Official order of finish" means the order of finish of the horses in a contest as declared official by the stewards.
"Off time" means the moment at which the starter dispatches the field.
"Operator's license" means a license issued by the commission allowing the holder to conduct a horse race meeting with pari-mutuel wagering privileges.
"Outstanding ticket" means a winning or refundable pari-mutuel ticket which was not cashed during the program for which it was issued.
"Owner's license" means a license issued by the commission allowing the holder to construct a horse racing facility for the purpose of conducting a race meeting with pari-mutuel wagering privileges.
"Pari-mutuel wagering" means the system of wagering on horse racing in which those who wager on horses that finish in the position or positions for which wagers are taken share in the total amounts wagered, less deductions required or permitted by law.
"Permit holder" includes any person holding a permit to participate in horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the commission or in the conduct of a race meeting where pari-mutuel wagering is offered thereon as provided in the Act.
"Person" includes a natural person, partnership, joint venture, association or corporation.
"Pool" means the amount wagered during a race meeting in straight wagering, in multiple wagering, or during a specified period thereof.
"Principal stockholder" means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members, owns or controls, directly or indirectly, 5.0% or more of the stock of any person who is a licensee, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members has the power to vote or cause the vote of 5.0% or more of any such stock.
"Profit" means the net pool after the deduction of the amount wagered on the winners.
"Profit split" means a division of profit among the separate wagering interests or winning combinations resulting in two or more payout prices.
"Program" means a schedule of races run consecutively at a racetrack or simulcast to a satellite facility.
"Race meeting" means the whole consecutive period of time during which horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering is conducted by a licensee.
"Recognized majority horsemen's group" means the organization recognized by the commission as the representative of the majority of owners and trainers racing at race meetings subject to the commission's jurisdiction.
"Retainage" means the total amount deducted, from the pari-mutuel wagering pool in the percentages designated by statute for the Commonwealth of Virginia, purse money for the participants, Virginia Breeders Fund, and the operators.
"Single price pool" means an equal distribution of profit to winning wagering interests or winning wagering combinations through a single payout price.
"Stock" includes all classes of stock of an applicant or licensee corporation, and any debt or other obligation of such corporation or stockholder thereof or stock of any affiliated corporation if the commission finds that the holder of such obligation or stock derives therefrom such control of or voice in the operation of the applicant or licensee corporation that he should be deemed a stockholder.
"Totalizator" means an electronic data processing system for registering wagers placed on the outcomes of horse racing, deducting the retainage, calculating the mutuel pools and returns to ticket holders, and displaying approximate odds and payouts, including machines utilized in the sale and cashing of wagers.
"Unlimited license" means a license issued by the commission allowing the holder to conduct a race meeting or meetings, with pari-mutuel wagering privileges, for periods of 15 days or more in any calendar year.
"Virginia Breeders Fund" means the fund established to foster the industry of breeding racehorses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Wagering interest" means one or more horses in a race which are identified by a single program number for wagering purposes.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 1.1, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015.
Part II
Licensure
11VAC10-20-20. Identification of applicant for owner's, owner-operator's, or operator's license.
An application shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant and the name, position, address, telephone number, and authorized signature of an individual to whom the commission may make inquiry.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.1, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 13, eff. March 27, 2012.
11VAC10-20-30. Applicant's affidavit.
An application shall include an affidavit from the chief executive officer or a major financial participant in the applicant setting forth:
1. That application is made for a license to own, own-operate, or operate a horse racing facility at which pari-mutuel wagering is conducted;
2. That the affiant is the agent of the applicant, its owners, partners, members, directors, officers, and personnel and is duly authorized to make the representations in the application on their behalf. Documentation of the authority shall be attached;
3. That the applicant seeks a grant of a privilege from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the burden of proving the applicant's qualifications rests at all times with the applicant;
4. That the applicant consents to inquiries by the Commonwealth of Virginia, its employees, the commission members, staff and agents, into the financial, character, and other qualifications of the applicant by contacting individuals and organizations;
5. That the applicant, its owners, partners, members, directors, officers, and personnel accept any risk of adverse public notice, embarrassment, criticism, or other circumstance, including financial loss, which may result from action with respect to the application and expressly waive any claim which otherwise could be made against the Commonwealth of Virginia, its employees, the commission, staff, or agents;
6. That the affiant has read the application and knows the contents; the contents are true to affiant's own knowledge, except matters therein stated as information and belief; as to those matters, affiant believes them to be true;
7. That the applicant recognizes all representations in the application are binding on it, and false or misleading information in the application, omission of required information, or substantial deviation from representations in the application may result in denial, revocation, suspension or conditioning of a license or imposition of a fine, or any or all of the foregoing;
8. That the applicant will comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations, all regulations of the commission and all other local ordinances;
9. The affiant's signature, name, organization, position, address, and telephone number; and
10. The date.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.2, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 13, eff. March 27, 2012.
11VAC10-20-40. Disclosure of ownership and control.
An applicant must disclose:
1. The type of organizational structure of the applicant, whether individual, business corporation, nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, association, or other;
2. If the applicant is an individual, the applicant's legal name, whether the applicant is a United States citizen, any aliases and business or trade names currently or previously used by the applicant, and copies of all state and federal tax returns for the past five years;
3. If the applicant is a corporation:
a. The applicant's full corporate name and any trade names currently or previously used by the applicant;
b. The jurisdiction and date of incorporation;
c. The date the applicant began doing business in Virginia and a copy of the applicant's certificate of authority to do business in Virginia;
d. Copies of the applicant's articles of incorporation, bylaws, and all state and federal corporate tax returns for the past five years;
e. The general nature of the applicant's business;
f. Whether the applicant is publicly held as defined by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission;
g. The classes of stock of the applicant. As to each class, the number of shares authorized, number of shares subscribed to, number issued, number outstanding, par value per share, issue price, current market price, number of shareholders, terms, position, rights, and privileges must be disclosed;
h. Whether the applicant has any other obligations or securities authorized or outstanding which bear voting rights either absolutely or upon any contingency, the nature thereof, face or par value, number of units authorized, number outstanding, and conditions under which they may be voted;
i. The names, in alphabetical order, and addresses of the directors and, in a separate list, officers of the applicant. The number of shares held of record directly or indirectly by each director and officer as of the application date of each class of stock, including stock options and subscriptions, and units held of record or beneficially of other obligations or securities which bear voting rights must be disclosed;
j. The names, in alphabetical order, and addresses of each recordholder as of the date of application or beneficial owner of shares, including stock options and subscriptions, of the applicant or units of other obligations or securities which bear voting rights. As to each holder of shares or units, the number and class or type of shares or units shall be disclosed;
k. Whether the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations have been met in connection with issuance of applicant's securities, and copies of the most recent registration statement and annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
l. Whether the securities registration and filing requirements of the applicant's jurisdiction of incorporation have been met, and a copy of the most recent registration statement filed with the securities regulator in that jurisdiction; and
m. Whether the securities registration and filing requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia have been met. If they have not, the applicant must disclose the reasons why. The applicant must provide copies of all securities filings with Virginia's State Corporation Commission during the past five years.
4. If the applicant is an organization other than a corporation:
a. The applicant's full name and any aliases, business, or trade names currently or previously used by the applicant;
b. The jurisdiction of organization of the applicant;
c. The date the applicant began doing business in Virginia;
d. Copies of any agreements creating or governing the applicant's organization and all of the applicant's state and federal tax returns for the past five years;
e. The general nature of the applicant's business;
f. The names, in alphabetical order, and addresses of any partners and officers of the applicant and other persons who have or share policy-making authority. As to each, the applicant must disclose the nature and extent of any ownership interest, direct or indirect, including options, or other voting interest, whether absolute or contingent, in the applicant; and
g. The names, in alphabetical order, and addresses of any individual or other entity holding a record or beneficial ownership interest, direct or indirect, including options, as of the date of the application, or other voting interest, whether absolute or contingent, in the applicant. As to each, the applicant must disclose the nature and extent of the interest.
5. If a nonindividual record or beneficial holder of an ownership or other voting interest of 5.0% or more in the applicant is identified pursuant to subdivision 3, i or j or subdivision 4, f and g, the applicant must disclose the information required by those subdivisions as to record or beneficial holders of an ownership or other voting interest of 5.0% or more in that nonindividual holder. The disclosure required by those subdivisions must be repeated, in turn, until all other voting interests of 5.0% or more in the applicant or any nonindividual holder are identified. When an applicant is unable to provide the information required, it shall explain fully and document its inability to do so;
6. Whether the applicant is directly or indirectly controlled to any extent or in any manner by another individual or entity. If so, the applicant must disclose the identity of the controlling entity and a description of the nature and extent of control;
7. Any agreements or understandings which the applicant or any individual or entity identified pursuant to this part has entered into regarding ownership or operation of applicant's horse racing facility, and copies of any such agreements in writing;
8. Any agreements or understandings which the applicant has entered into for the payment of fees, rents, salaries, or other compensation concerning the proposed horse racing facility by the applicant, and copies of any such agreements in writing; and
9. Whether the applicant, any partner, director, officer, other policymaker, or holder of a direct or indirect record or beneficial ownership interest or other voting interest or control of 5.0% or more has held or holds a license or permit issued by a governmental authority to own or operate a horse racing facility, pari-mutuel wagering facility or any other form of gambling or has a financial interest in such an enterprise or conducts any aspect of horse racing or gambling. If so, the applicant must disclose the identity of the license or permit holder, nature of the license or permit, issuing authority, and dates of issuance and termination.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.3, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-50. Disclosure of character information.
An applicant for a license must disclose and furnish particulars as follows whether the applicant or any individual or other entity identified pursuant to subdivisions 3 and 4 of 11VAC10-20-40 and subdivisions 2 and 3 of 11VAC10-20-110 of this chapter:
1. Been charged in any criminal proceeding other than a traffic violation. If so, the applicant must disclose nature of the charge, the date charged, court and disposition;
2. Had a horse racing, gambling, business, professional, or occupational license or permit revoked or suspended or renewal denied or been a party in a proceeding to do so. If so, the applicant must disclose the date of commencement, circumstances and disposition;
3. Been accused in an administrative or judicial proceeding of violating a statute or regulation relating to horse racing or gambling;
4. Been charged in an administrative or judicial proceeding of violating a statute or regulation relating to unfair labor practices or discrimination;
5. Begun an administrative or judicial action against a governmental regulator of horse racing or gambling. If so, the applicant must disclose the date of commencement, forum, circumstances and disposition;
6. Been the subject of voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. If so, the applicant must disclose the date of commencement, forum, circumstances, date of decision and disposition;
7. Failed to satisfy any judgment, decree or order of an administrative or judicial tribunal. If so, the applicant must disclose the date and circumstances; and
8. Been delinquent in filing a tax return required or remitting a tax imposed by any government. If so, the applicant must disclose the date and circumstances.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.4, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-60. Disclosure of sites and facilities.
An application for a license must disclose with respect to the pari-mutuel horse racing facility it will own, operate, or own and operate:
1. The address of the facility, ownership of site for the last five years, legal description, mortgagors, proof of title insurance, its size, and geographical location, including reference to county and municipal boundaries;
2. A site map showing existing highways and streets adjacent to the facility, and separately showing any proposed highways and streets adjacent to the facility, including their scheduled completion dates;
3. The type or types of racing for which the facility is designed, whether thoroughbred, harness standard bred, quarterhorse, or other;
4. Racetrack dimensions for each racetrack operated by the facility by:
a. Circumference;
b. Width;
c. Banking;
d. Location of chutes;
e. Length of stretch;
f. Distance from judges' stand to first turn;
g. Type of surface; and
h. Description of safety rail.
5. A description of the backstretch area, giving:
a. Dimensions and number of barns, whether open or enclosed;
b. Location and interval of barns;
c. Dimensions and number of stalls per barn;
d. Location of offices for veterinarians;
e. Location of facilities for emergency care for horses;
f. Location of facilities for feed, tack, and other vendors;
g. Location, description and number of housing units for backstretch employees;
h. Location and description of commissary, lavatory and recreational facilities for backstretch employees; and
i. Location and description of training track, if any.
6. A description of the grandstand, giving:
a. Total seating capacity;
b. Total reserved seating capacity;
c. Indoor and outdoor seating capacity;
d. Configuration of grandstand seating and pari-mutuel and concession facilities within the grandstand;
e. The number and location of men's and women's restrooms, drinking fountains and medical facilities available to patrons; and
f. Description of public pedestrian traffic patterns throughout the grandstand.
7. A description of the post-race detention barn, giving:
a. Distance from the post-race detention barn to track and paddock;
b. Number of sampling stalls;
c. Placement of viewing ports on each;
d. Location of post-mortem floor;
e. Number of wash stalls with hot and cold water and drains;
f. Availability of video monitors and other security measures; and
g. The walking ring.
8. A description of the paddock and saddling area, giving;
a. Number of stalls in the paddock;
b. Height from the floor to lowest point of the stall ceiling and entrance;
c. Paddock public address and telephone services; and
d. Public viewing area.
9. A description of the jockeys' and drivers' quarters, giving:
a. Changing areas;
b. A listing of equipment to be installed in each; and
c. The location of the jockeys' or drivers' quarters in relation to the paddock.
10. A description of the pari-mutuel totalizator, giving:
a. Approximate location of bettors' windows and cash security areas; and
b. A description of the equipment, including vendor and manufacturer if known.
11. A description of the parking, giving:
a. Detailed attention to access to parking from surrounding streets and highways;
b. Number of parking spaces available, distinguishing between public and other;
c. A description of the road surface on parking areas and the distance between parking and grandstand; and
d. A road map of the area showing the relationship of parking to surrounding, existing and proposed streets and highways.
12. A description of the height, type of construction and materials of perimeter fence;
13. A description of improvements and equipment at the horse racing facility for security purposes in addition to perimeter fence, including the vendor and manufacturer of equipment if known;
14. A description of starting, timing, photo finish, and photo-patrol or video equipment, including the vendor and manufacturer if known;
15. A description of work areas for the commission members, officers, employees, stewards, and agents;
16. A description of the facility's access to public transportation, the types of public transportation and schedules and road maps of area which show pick-up and drop-off points; and
17. A description of manure and other refuse containers and plans for their prompt and proper removal.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.5, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-70. Disclosure of development process.
An applicant for a license must disclose with regard to development of its horse racing facility:
1. The total cost of construction of the facility, distinguishing between known costs and projected costs;
2. Separate identification of the following costs, distinguishing between known costs and projected costs:
a. Facility design;
b. Land acquisition;
c. Site preparation;
d. Improvements and equipment, separately identifying the costs of 11VAC10-20-60, and other categories of improvements and equipment; and
e. Organization, administrative, accounting, and legal.
3. Documentation of the nature of interim financing and the nature of permanent financing;
4. Documentation of fixed costs;
5. The schedule for construction of the facility, giving:
a. Acquiring land;
b. Soliciting bids;
c. Zoning and construction permit approval;
d. Awarding construction contracts;
e. Beginning construction;
f. Completing construction;
g. Training staff; and
h. Beginning of racing.
6. Schematic drawings;
7. Copies of any contracts with and performance bonds from the:
a. Architect or other design professional;
b. Project engineer;
c. Construction engineer;
d. Contractors and subcontractors; and
e. Equipment procurement personnel.
8. Whether the site has been acquired or leased by applicant. If so, the applicant must provide the documentation. If not, the applicant must state which actions must be taken in order to obtain the site; and
9. Whether present construction planning envisions future expansion of the facilities and, if so, a general description of the nature of such expansion.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.6, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-80. Disclosure of financial resources.
An applicant for license must provide the following with regard to financial resources:
1. The most recent independently audited financial statement showing:
a. The applicant's current assets, including investments in affiliated entities, loans and accounts receivable;
b. Fixed assets;
c. Current liabilities, including loans and accounts payable; and
d. Long-term debt and equity; and
e. Statement of income and expenses, and statement of cash flow;
2. Equity and debt sources of funds to develop, own and operate the horse racing facility:
a. With respect to each source of equity:
(1) Contribution;
(2) Identification of the source;
(3) Amount;
(4) Form;
(5) Method of payment;
(6) Nature and amount of present commitment; and
(7) Documentation, copies of agreements and actions which the applicant will take to obtain commitments for additional amounts;
b. With respect to each source of debt:
(1) Contribution;
(2) Identification of the source;
(3) Amount;
(4) Terms of debt;
(5) Collateral;
(6) Identity of guarantors;
(7) Nature and amount of commitments; and
(8) Documentation, copies of agreements and actions which the applicant will take to obtain commitments for additional amounts; and
3. Identification and description of sources of additional funds if needed due to cost overruns, nonreceipt of expected equity or debt funds, failure to achieve projected revenues or other cause.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.7, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-90. Disclosure of financial plan.
An applicant for a license must disclose with regard to its financial plan the financial projections for the development period and for each of the first five racing years, with separate schedules based upon the number of racing days, types of racing, and types of pari-mutuel wagering the applicant requires to break even and the optimum number of racing days and types of wagering the applicant seeks each year. The commission will utilize financial projections in deciding whether to issue licenses.
Neither acceptance of a license application nor issuance of a license shall bind the commission as to matters within its discretion, including, but not limited to, assignment of racing days and approval of types of permissible pari-mutuel pools.
The disclosure must include:
1. The following assumptions and support for them:
a. Average daily attendance;
b. Average daily per capita handle and average bet;
c. Retainage;
d. Admissions to track, including ticket prices and free admissions;
e. Parking volume, fees and revenues;
f. Concessions, gift shop and program sales;
g. Cost of purses;
h. Pari-mutuel expenses;
i. State taxes;
j. Local taxes;
k. Federal taxes;
l. Virginia Breeders Fund;
m. Payroll;
n. Operating supplies and services;
o. Utilities;
p. Repairs and maintenance;
q. Insurance;
r. Travel expenses;
s. Membership expenses;
t. Security expenses;
u. Legal and audit expenses; and
v. Debt service.
2. The following profit and loss elements:
a. Total revenue, including projected revenues from retainage, breakage, uncashed tickets, admissions, parking, and concessions, gift and program operations;
b. Total operating expenses, including anticipated expenses for:
(1) Purses;
(2) Pari-mutuel;
(3) Sales tax;
(4) Local taxes;
(5) Admissions tax;
(6) Virginia Breeders Fund;
(7) Special assessments;
(8) Cost of concession goods, gifts and programs;
(9) Advertising and promotion;
(10) Payroll;
(11) Operating supplies and service;
(12) Maintenance and repairs;
(13) Insurance;
(14) Security;
(15) Legal and audit; and
(16) Federal and state taxes.
c. Nonoperating expenses, including anticipated expenses for debt service, facility depreciation and identification of method used, and equipment depreciation and identification of method used.
3. Projected cash flow, including assessment of:
a. Income, including equity contributions, debt contributions, interest income and operating revenue; and
b. Disbursements, including land, improvements, equipment, debt service, operating expense and organizational expense.
4. Projected balance sheets as of the end of the development period and of each of the first five racing years setting forth:
a. Current, fixed and other noncurrent assets;
b. Current and long-term liabilities; and
c. Capital accounts.
5. The applicant must also disclose an accountant's review report of the financial projections.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.8, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-100. Disclosure of governmental actions.
An applicant for a license must disclose with regard to actions of government agencies:
1. The street and highway improvements necessary to ensure adequate access to applicant's horse racing facility, and the cost of improvements, status, likelihood of completion and estimated date of completion;
2. The sewer, water and other public utility improvements necessary to serve applicant's facility, and the cost of improvements, status, likelihood of completion and estimated date of completion;
3. The status of any required government approvals for development, ownership and operation of its horse racing facility:
a. A description of the approval, unit of government, date and documentation;
b. Whether public hearings were held. If they were, the applicant must disclose when and where the hearings were conducted. If they were not held, the applicant must disclose why they were not held; and
c. Whether the unit of government attached any conditions to approval. If so, the applicant must disclose these conditions, including documentation. In addition, the applicant must summarize its plans to meet these conditions.
4. Whether any required governmental approvals remain to be obtained, as well as a description of the approval, unit of government, status, likelihood of approval and estimated date of approval;
5. Whether an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement of the facility has been or will be prepared. If so, the applicant must disclose its status and the governmental unit with jurisdiction, and provide a copy of any statement; and
6. Whether the applicant is in compliance with all state statutes, local charter provisions, local ordinances, and state and local regulations pertaining to the development, ownership and operation of its horse racing facility. If the applicant is not in compliance, the applicant must disclose the reasons why the applicant is not in compliance and summarize plans to obtain compliance.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.9, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-110. Disclosure of management.
An applicant for a license must disclose with regard to the development, ownership and operation of its pari-mutuel horse racing facility:
1. A description of the applicant's management plan, with budget and identification of management personnel by function, job descriptions and qualifications for each management position, and a copy of the organization chart;
2. Management personnel to the extent known and with respect to each:
a. Legal name, alias or aliases and previous name or names;
b. Current residence and business addresses and telephone numbers;
c. Qualifications and experience in the following areas:
(1) General business;
(2) Marketing, promotion and advertising;
(3) Finance and accounting;
(4) Horse racing;
(5) Pari-mutuel wagering;
(6) Security; and
(7) Human and animal health and safety.
d. Description of the terms and conditions of employment and a copy of each type of agreement;
3. Consultants and other contractors who have provided or will provide management-related services to applicant with respect to each:
a. Full name;
b. Current address and telephone number;
c. Nature of services;
d. Qualifications and experience; and
e. Description of terms and conditions of each contractor's agreement and a copy of the agreement.
4. Memberships of the applicant, management personnel and consultants in horse racing organizations.
5. Description of the applicant's marketing, promotion and advertising plans;
6. A description of the applicant's plan for concessions, including whether the licensee will operate concessions and, if not, who will;
7. A description of training of the applicant's personnel; and
8. A description of plans for compliance with all laws pertaining to discrimination, equal employment and affirmative action; policies regarding recruitment, use and advancement of minorities; policies with respect to minority contracting; and a copy of Equal Employment Opportunity Statement.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.10, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-120. Disclosure of safety and security plans.
An application for a license must disclose with regard to the development of its horse racing facility:
1. A description of the local emergency services available to the horse racing facility, including fire fighting, law enforcement and medical emergency services;
2. A description of the security equipment, such as fences, locks, alarms and monitoring equipment, for the horse racing facility, including:
a. Perimeter fence and its construction;
b. Stables;
c. Paddock;
d. Cash room and the vault;
e. Pari-mutuel ticket windows;
f. Totalizator room;
g. Post-race detention barn; and
h. Parking lot.
3. A description of the security procedures to be used:
a. To admit individuals to restricted areas of the horse racing facility;
b. To secure areas where money and mutuel tickets are vaulted, and daily transfers of cash via armored trucks;
c. To provide security for patrons and employees; and
d. Specific plans to discover persons at the facility who have been convicted of a felony, had a license suspended, revoked, or denied by the commission or by the horse racing authority of another jurisdiction or are a threat to the integrity of racing in Virginia.
4. A description of the security personnel to be employed at the facility, giving:
a. Whether personnel will be employees of the licensee or employees of an independent contractor;
b. If the personnel are employed by an independent contractor, describe the organization and qualifications of the contractor as well as meeting applicable state licensing requirements;
c. State the number of individuals to be employed and the area of the racetrack where each will serve;
d. Provide an organizational chart of the security force with a job description of each level; and
e. State whether or not the security personnel are bonded and if so, state amount and conditions of the bond and the name and address of the surety company that issued the bond.
5. A description of the fire safety and emergency procedures, giving:
a. Evacuating the patrons and controlling traffic in an emergency;
b. Inspecting the facility for fire and safety hazards;
c. Restricted smoking areas; and
d. Coordinating the facility's security, fire and safety procedures with the state police, the commission and other local agencies.
6. A description of the first aid facilities available at the horse racing facility during racing hours and the facilities available to employees during nonracing hours;
7. Whether the applicant will be a member of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau or other security organization; and
8. A description of the internal accounting controls to create cross checks and balances in order to safeguard assets and detect fraud and embezzlement.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.11, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-130. Disclosure of public service.
An applicant for a license must disclose its plans for promotion of the orderly growth of horse racing in Virginia and education of the public with respect to horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.12, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-140. Disclosure of impact of facilities.
An applicant for a license must disclose and document the projected impact of its horse racing facility, including:
1. Economic impact, giving:
a. Number of jobs created, whether permanent or temporary, type of work, compensation, employer and how created;
b. Purchases of goods and services, types of purchases and projected expenditures;
c. Public and private investment; and
d. State and local tax revenues generated.
2. Environmental impact;
3. Impact on energy conservation and development of alternative energy sources; and
4. Social impact on the community in which the horse racing facility would be located.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.13, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-150. Effects on competition.
An applicant must disclose the anticipated short-range and long-range effects of its ownership and operation of its horse racing facility on competition within the horse racing industry.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.14, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-160. Disclosure of assistance in preparation of application.
An applicant must disclose the names, addresses and telephone numbers of individuals and businesses who assisted the applicant in the writing of its application and supply copies of all studies completed for the applicant.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.15, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-170. Personal information and authorization for release.
In an application for a license, the applicant shall include the following with respect to each individual identified as an applicant, partner, director, officer, other policymaker, or holder of a direct or indirect record or beneficial ownership interest or other voting interest or control of five percent or more in the applicant and each individual identified pursuant to subdivisions 2 and 3 of 11VAC10-20-110:
1. Full name, business and residence addresses and telephone numbers, residence addresses for past five years, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number, if the individual is willing to provide it, and two references; and
2. An authorization for release of personal information, on a form prepared by the commission, signed by the individual and providing that he:
a. Authorizes a review by, and full disclosure to, an agent of the Virginia State Police, of all records concerning the individual;
b. Recognizes the information reviewed or disclosed may be used by the Commonwealth of Virginia, its employees, the commission, members, staff and agents to determine the signer's qualifications for a license; and
c. Releases authorized providers and users of the information from any liability under state or federal data privacy statutes.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.16, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-180. License criteria.
A. The commission may issue a license if it determines on the basis of all the facts before it that:
1. The applicant is financially able to operate a racetrack;
2. Issuance of a license will not adversely affect competition within the horse racing industry and the public interest;
3. The racetrack will be operated in accordance with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations, regulations of the commission and all local ordinances; and
4. The issuance of the license will not adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare.
B. In making the required determinations, the commission must consider the following factors:
1. The integrity of the applicant, including:
a. Criminal record;
b. Involvement in litigation over business practices;
c. Involvement in disciplinary actions over a business license or permit or refusal to renew a license or permit;
d. Involvement in proceedings in which unfair labor practices, discrimination or government regulation of horse racing or gambling was an issue;
e. Involvement in bankruptcy proceedings;
f. Failure to satisfy judgments, orders or decrees;
g. Delinquency in filing of tax reports or remitting taxes; and
h. Any other factors related to integrity which the commission deems crucial to its decision making, as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants.
2. The types and variety of pari-mutuel horse racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and other uses of the facility when racing or wagering is not offered;
3. The quality of physical improvements and equipment in applicant's facility, including:
a. Racetrack or tracks and provisions, if any, for a turf course;
b. Stabling, including fire control measures;
c. Grandstand;
d. Detention barn;
e. Paddock;
f. Jockeys', drivers' and backstretch employees' quarters;
g. Pari-mutuel totalizator;
h. Parking;
i. Access by road and public transportation;
j. Perimeter fence;
k. Other security improvements and equipment;
l. Starting, timing, photo finish and photo-patrol or video equipment;
m. Commission work areas; and
n. Any other factors related to quality which the commission deems crucial to its decision making, as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants;
4. Imminence of completion of facility and commencement of pari-mutuel horse racing;
5. Financial ability to develop, own and operate a pari-mutuel horse racing facility successfully, including:
a. Ownership and control structure;
b. Amounts and reliability of development costs;
c. Certainty of site acquisition or lease;
d. Current financial condition;
e. Sources of equity and debt funds, amounts, terms and conditions and certainty of commitment;
f. Provision for cost overruns, nonreceipt of expected equity or debt funds, failure to achieve projected revenues or other financial adversity;
g. Feasibility of financial plan; and
h. Any other factors related to financial ability which the commission deems crucial to its decision making as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants.
6. Status of governmental actions required for the applicant's facility, including:
a. Necessary road improvements;
b. Necessary public utility improvements;
c. Required governmental approvals for development, ownership and operation of the facility;
d. Acceptance of any required environmental assessment and preparation of any required environmental impact statement; and
e. Any other factors related to status of governmental actions which the commission deems crucial to its decision making as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants.
7. Management ability of the applicant, including:
a. Qualifications of managers, consultants and other contractors to develop, own and operate a pari-mutuel horse racing facility;
b. Security plan;
c. Plans for human and animal health and safety;
d. Marketing, promotion and advertising plans;
e. Concessions plan;
f. Plan for training personnel;
g. Equal employment and affirmative action plans; and
h. Any other factors related to management ability which the commission deems crucial to its decision making as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants.
8. Compliance with applicable statutes, charters, ordinances or regulations;
9. Efforts to promote orderly growth of horse racing in Virginia and educate public with respect to horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering;
10. Impact of facility, including:
a. Economic impact, including employment created, purchases of goods and services, public and private investment and taxes generated;
b. Environmental impact;
c. Impact on energy conservation and development of alternative energy sources;
d. Social impact;
e. Costs of public improvements;
f. Impact on the highway network; and
g. Any other factors related to impact which the commission deems crucial to its decision making as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants.
11. Extent of public support and opposition;
12. Effects on competition, including:
a. Number, nature and relative location of other licenses;
b. Minimum and optimum number of racing days sought by the applicant; and
c. Any other factors of the impact of competition which the commission deems crucial to decision making as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all applicants.
13. The commission shall also consider any other information which the applicant discloses and is relevant and helpful to a proper determination by the commission.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.17, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-190. Criteria for horse racing facilities.
A. Generally. Every license to conduct a horse race meeting with pari-mutuel wagering privileges of 15 days or more in any calendar year is granted by the commission upon the condition that the licensee will conduct horse racing at its facility or meeting for the promotion, sustenance, and growth of a native industry in a manner consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of the people. The adequacy and sufficiency with which the licensee meets the criteria for the procedures, facilities, and equipment for conducting a horse race meeting of such duration shall rest with the commission.
1. Each licensee shall accept, observe, and enforce all federal and state laws, regulations of the commission, and local ordinances.
2. Each licensee shall at all times maintain its grounds and facilities so as to be neat and clean, painted and in good repair, with special consideration for the comfort and safety of the public, employees, other persons whose business requires their attendance, and for the health and safety of the horses there stabled.
3. Each licensee shall honor commission exclusions from the enclosure and eject immediately any person found within the enclosure who has been excluded by the commission and report the ejection to the commission. Whenever any licensee ejects a person from the enclosure, it shall furnish a written notice to the person ejected and shall report the ejection to the commission.
4. No later than 15 days before the first day of any race meeting, each licensee shall submit to the commission the most recent inspection reports issued by governmental authorities regarding the condition of facilities, sanitation, and fire prevention, detection, and suppression.
5. Each licensee shall provide the commission daily attendance reports showing a turnstile count of all persons admitted to the enclosure and the reports shall indicate the daily number of paid admissions, taxed complimentary admissions, and tax exempt admissions.
6. Each licensee shall furnish to the commission within three months of the closing of its fiscal year, three copies of its balance sheet and of its operating statement for the previous fiscal year with comparison to the prior fiscal year, the same duly sworn to by the treasurer of the association, and certified by an independent certified public accountant. The financial report shall be in the form as may be prescribed from time to time by the commission.
7. Each licensee shall maintain a separate bank account to be known as the "horsemen's account," with the amount of purse money statutorily mandated to be deposited in the account within 48 hours of the running of the race. Withdrawals from this account shall at all times be subject to audit by the commission, and the horsemen's bookkeeper in charge of the account shall be bonded:
a. All portions of purse money shall be made available when the stewards have authorized payment to the earners; and
b. No portion of purse money other than jockey fees shall be deducted by the licensee for itself or for another, unless so requested in writing by the person to whom such purse moneys are payable, or his duly authorized representative. Irrespective of whether requested, at the close of each race meeting the horsemen's bookkeeper shall mail to each owner a duplicate of each owner's account showing every deposit, withdrawal, or transfer of funds affecting such owner's account.
8. Each licensee shall remit to the commission within five days of the day on which the revenue for pari-mutuel taxes, admission taxes, and breeders' funds were collected. The remittance shall be accomplished by a direct deposit in a financial institution designated by the commission. On those days when the fifth day is a holiday or a weekend day, the payment must be made by the succeeding business day. At the close of each month in which racing is conducted, the licensee must report to the commission all deposits of taxes and breeders' funds for that month.
9. On each day that deposits are made by the licensee, a report must be filed with the commission containing the following recapitulation: total retainage, pari-mutuel tax; state and local admissions taxes; purse moneys; total breakage; and breeders' fund taxes.
10. Each licensee shall provide areas within the enclosure where publications, other informational materials, and tip sheets, may be sold to the public. All persons holding a tip sheet concession at the facility must possess a permit from the commission as vendors. Such vendor shall post in a conspicuous place the previous day's tip sheet and the outcome of the races. Such vendor shall deliver one copy of the tip sheet to a commission representative at least one hour before post time.
11. Each licensee shall supervise the practice and procedures of all vendors of food, horse feed, medication, and tack, who are licensed and have access to the stabling area. No licensee by virtue of this regulation shall attempt to control or monopolize proper selling to owners, trainers, or stable employees; nor shall a licensee grant a sole concession to any vendor of feed, racing supplies, or racing services.
12. Each licensee shall provide to the commission copies of all subordinate contracts, in the amount of $15,000 annual gross and above, entered into by the owner, owner-operator, or operator, and such contracts shall be subject to approval of the commission.
13. Each licensee shall submit to the commission each calendar year a request for live racing days for the next calendar year as provided in 11VAC10-20-200. The holder of a license shall schedule no more than 125 days live racing days in the Commonwealth each calendar year; however, the commission may alter the number of live racing days based on what it deems to be in the best interest of the Virginia horse industry.
14. Each licensee shall post in a conspicuous place in every place where pari-mutuel wagering is conducted a sign that bears a toll-free telephone number for "Gamblers Anonymous" or other organization that provides assistance to compulsive gamblers.
B. Facilities. Each licensee shall provide all of the facilities for the conduct of horse racing so as to maintain horse racing of the highest quality and free of any corrupt, incompetent, or dishonest practices and to maintain in horse racing complete honesty and integrity.
1. Prior to the first race meeting at a facility owned or operated by the holder of an unlimited license, the licensee shall provide to the commission a certified report of a qualified surveyor, certifying the grade and measurement of the distances to be run.
a. Distances to be run shall be measured from the starting line at a distance three feet out from the inside rail.
b. The surveyor's report must be approved by the commission's executive secretary prior to the first race day of the meeting.
2. Turf course requirements include the following:
a. The licensee shall maintain an adequate stockpile of growing medium and shall provide an irrigation system or other means of adequately watering the entire turf course evenly.
b. All turf course paths from inside rails to turf courses shall resemble the rest of the terrain, with no rails leading from the main course to the turf courses.
c. A portable rail shall be secure to absorb the impact of a horse.
3. Main track requirements include the following:
a. Each licensee shall provide a safety rail on the inside of each racing surface and such other fencing that is appropriate to safely enclose the racing surface for horses and riders.
b. The rail height shall be from 38 inches to 42 inches from the top of the cushion to the top of the rail. All top rails shall be bolted to poles and shall be smooth with no jagged edges. Rail posts shall be of a gooseneck type design and shall have no less than a 24-inch overhang with a continuous smooth elevated cover over posts.
c. All rails shall be constructed of materials designed to withstand the impact of a horse running at racing speed.
d. All rail posts shall be set in concrete at least six inches below the surface and 24 inches deep. A portable turf rail shall be secure to absorb the impact of a horse. No rail or post shall be used that will not take the impact of a horse or will break away, such as fiberglass, PVC, wood or hedges.
e. The design and construction of rails shall be approved by the commission prior to the first race meeting at the racetrack.
4. Each licensee shall provide distance poles marking off the racing surface and the poles shall be painted in the following colors: quarter poles, red and white; eighth poles, green and white; and sixteenth poles, black and white. All distance poles, including photofinish mirror imaging equipment and any other equipment, shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the back of the inside rail.
5. Each licensee shall provide racing surfaces whose construction, elevation, and surfaces have received scientific approval as safe and humane, adequate and proper equipment to maintain the racing surface, and sufficient trained personnel to properly operate the equipment. Daily records of maintenance shall be open for inspection.
6. Each licensee shall provide stabling in a sufficient amount to conduct a successful horse race meeting. The horses shall be quartered in individual stalls with separate feeding and watering facilities. Each barn, including the receiving barn, shall have a hot and cold water supply available, be well-ventilated, have proper drainage to prevent standing water and be constructed to be comfortable in all seasons during which racing is conducted.
7. Each licensee shall provide a stabling area that is maintained in approved sanitary condition with satisfactory drainage, manure, and other refuse kept in separate boxes or containers distant from living quarters, and the boxes or containers promptly and properly removed.
8. Each licensee shall provide a systematic and effective insect control program and programs to eliminate hazards to public health and comfort in the stabling area and throughout the enclosure.
9. Each licensee shall provide satisfactory living quarters for persons employed in the stabling area as well as satisfactory commissary, recreation, and lavatory facilities, and maintain the facilities in a clean and sanitary manner. No employee shall be permitted to sleep in any stall or barn loft.
10. Each licensee shall provide on every racing day satisfactory sanitary toilets and wash rooms, and furnish free drinking water for patrons and persons having business within the enclosure.
11. Each licensee shall provide a paddock where the horses are assembled prior to the post parade. Each licensee shall provide a public viewing area where patrons may watch the activities in the paddock. Each licensee shall also provide a sufficient number of roofed stalls so that horses may be housed during inclement weather.
12. Each licensee shall provide satisfactory facilities for jockeys or drivers who are participating in the day's program. The facilities shall include accommodations for rest and recreation, showers, toilets, wash basins, reducing facilities (sauna or steam room), arrangements for safe keeping of apparel and personal effects, and snack bar during horse race meetings.
13. Each licensee shall maintain an information desk where the public may make complaints regarding the facilities, operations of the licensee, or rulings of the commission. The licensee shall respond promptly to complaints, and inform the commission regarding any alleged violation of its regulations.
14. Each licensee shall maintain a test barn for use by commission employees in securing from horses that have run a race, samples of urine, saliva, blood, or other bodily substances for chemical analysis. The test barn shall include a wash rack, commission veterinarian office, a walking ring, and a sufficient number of stalls each equipped with a window sufficiently large to allow the taking of samples to be witnessed from outside the stall. The test barn shall be located convenient to the racing surface and shall be enclosed by a fence so that unauthorized persons shall be excluded. Space shall be provided for signing in and signing out of permittees whose attendance is required in the test barn.
15. Each licensee shall maintain a receiving barn conveniently located for use by horses arriving for races that are not quartered in the stabling area. The licensee shall have a sufficient number of stalls to accommodate the anticipated number of horses, hot and cold running water, and stall bedding. The licensee shall maintain the receiving barn in a clean and sanitary manner.
16. Each licensee shall provide and maintain lights so as to ensure adequate illumination in the stabling area and parking area. Adequacy of track lighting for night racing shall be determined by the commission.
17. Each licensee shall provide and maintain stands commanding an uninterrupted view of the entire racing surface for the stewards with the location to be approved by the commission. The licensee shall provide patrol judge stands so that the floor shall be at least six feet higher than the track rail. For harness racing, each licensee shall provide space for a patrol judge in the mobile starting gate that will accompany the horses during the race.
18. Each licensee shall furnish office space, approved by the commission, for the commission's use within the enclosure and an appropriate number of parking spaces so that its members and staff may carry out their duties.
19. Each licensee shall submit to the commission, at least 30 days prior to the opening day of a meeting, a complete list of its racing officials, as set forth elsewhere in these regulations, and department heads. No person shall hold any appointment for a horse race meeting unless approved by the commission after determination that the appointee is qualified for his duties, not prohibited by any law of the Commonwealth of Virginia or regulation of the commission, and eligible to hold a permit issued by the commission.
20. Each licensee shall provide a condition book, or for harness racing, a condition sheet, listing the proposed races for the upcoming racing days and prepared by the racing secretary, to the commission at least one week prior to opening day. Additional condition books or condition sheets shall be provided to the commission as soon as published.
21. No licensee shall allow any person to ride in a race or exercise any horse within the enclosure unless that person is wearing a protective helmet with the chin strap buckled. For flat racing, the term "exercising" is defined to include breezing, galloping, or ponying horses.
22. Each licensee shall employ at least three outriders for flat and steeplechase racing to escort starters to the post and to assist in the returning of all horses to the unsaddling area for flat races. No outrider shall lead any horse that has not demonstrated unruliness, but shall assist in the control of any horse that might cause injury to a jockey or driver or others. During racing hours, outriders will wear traditional attire. For flat race meetings, outriders shall be required to be present on the racing strip, mounted, and ready to assist in the control of any unruly horse or to recapture any loose horse, at all times when the track is open for exercising.
23. Each licensee shall employ for flat meets a sufficient number of valets to attend each jockey on a day's program. Valets will be under the immediate supervision and control of the clerk of scales. Each licensee shall provide uniform attire for valets who shall wear the uniform attire at all times while performing their duties within public view.
24. No licensee shall allow any person to ride in a race or to exercise any horse within the enclosure unless that person is wearing a protective safety vest. The vest shall be designed to provide shock-absorbing protection to the upper body of at least a rating of five as defined by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).
C. Equipment. Each licensee shall provide all of the equipment for the conduct of horse racing so as to maintain horse racing of the highest quality and free of any corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practices, and to maintain in horse racing complete honesty and integrity.
1. Each licensee shall maintain at least two operable starting gates for flat meetings and two operable mobile starting gates for harness racing. The licensee shall have in attendance one or more persons qualified to keep the starting gates in good working order and provide for periodic inspection. For flat meetings, the licensee shall also make at least one starting gate along with adequate personnel available for schooling for two hours each day during training hours, exclusive of nonrace days. For flat race meetings, the licensee shall have an adequate number of assistant starters to ensure the integrity of the start and to provide safe conditions for horse and rider. If a flat race is started at a place other than in a chute, the licensee shall maintain in good operating condition backup equipment for moving the starting gate. The backup equipment must be immediately available to replace the primary moving equipment in the event of failure. For harness racing meetings, a mobile starting gate shall be made available for qualifying races and schooling.
2. Each licensee shall maintain photo-finish equipment to assist the stewards and placing judges, where employed for flat race meetings, in determining the order of finish of each race. The licensee shall provide two electronic photofinish devices with mirror images to photograph the finish of each race. The location and operation of the photofinish devices must be approved by the commission before its first use in a race. The licensee shall ensure that the photofinish devices are calibrated before the first day of each race meeting and at other times as required by the commission. The standards and operations of the photo-finish camera as well as the methodology of the personnel shall be subject to the approval of the stewards:
a. The photo-finish photographer shall promptly furnish the stewards and placing judges prints as they are requested, and the photographer will promptly inform the stewards and placing judges of any malfunction of his equipment;
b. A print of a photo finish where the placing of horse is a half of length or less shall be displayed either by posting copies of the print or video means to the public promptly after the race has been declared "official"; and
c. Each licensee shall be responsible for maintaining a file of photo finishes of all races for one year after the closing of the horse race meeting.
3. Each licensee shall provide color video tape recordings of the running of each race clearly showing the position and actions of the horse and jockeys or drivers at close range. Each licensee shall provide at least three cameras to record panoramic and head-on views of the race. One camera shall be located on the finish line:
a. Promptly after a race has been declared "official," video tape recordings shall be replayed for the benefit of the public. In those races where there was a disqualification, video tapes of the head-on views may also be shown with an explanation by the public address announcer.
b. The licensee shall safeguard the tapes of all videotapes for one year after the close of the horse race meeting.
c. The stewards may, in their discretion, direct a video camera operator to videotape the activities of any horses or persons handling horses prior to, during or following a race.
4. Each licensee shall provide an electronic timing system. The system shall have the capability of timing the leading horse in at least hundredths of a second. Each licensee shall also provide a qualified person to manually time each race, including splits of each quarter of a mile, in the event of a malfunction of the electronic system.
5. Each licensee shall provide an internal communication system which links the stewards' stand, racing secretary's office, pari-mutuel department, jockeys' or drivers' room, paddock, test barn, commission veterinarian's office, starting gate, film patrol office, ambulances, public address announcer, patrol judges, and any other personnel designated by the commission.
6. Each licensee shall provide a public address system whereby calls of the races and other pertinent information may be communicated to the public. This system shall be utilized by a qualified person, and the system shall have the capability of transmitting throughout the stabling area.
7. Each licensee shall provide a totalizator and employ qualified personnel to operate the system, provide maintenance of the hardware, software, and ancillary wagering devices, and be able to perform emergency repairs in case of emergencies. The licensee shall also provide a mutuel board in the infield where approximate odds, amounts wagered in the win, place, and show pools on each betting interest, and other pertinent information may be prominently displayed to the public:
a. The totalizator shall maintain at least two independent sets of pool totals and compare them at least once every 60 seconds. The totalizator shall record in a system log file any difference in the final pool totals;
b. The totalizator shall have the capability of calculating the mutuel pools, approximate odds, probable payoffs and display them to the public at intervals of not more than 60 seconds;
c. The totalizator shall have the capability of being locked and wagering terminated automatically at the command of a steward. Any failure of the system to lock at the start of the race shall be reported immediately by the mutuel manager to the stewards;
d. The totalizator shall have the capability of displaying the probable payouts on various combinations in the daily double, exacta, and quinella wagering, and displaying the payoffs to the public;
e. The totalizator shall have the capability of recording the wagering by individual wagers, including the amount wagered, the betting interest, and the mutuel window where the wager was placed. The records of the wagering shall be promptly made available to the commission upon request. The licensee shall preserve the records of the wagering for one year after closing of the horse race meeting. The records shall not be destroyed without permission of the commission;
f. The personnel operating the totalizator shall report immediately to the stewards any malfunction in the system, or what they perceive to be any unusual patterns in the wagering;
g. The totalizator personnel shall make available to the commission any special reports or requests that may assist the commission in carrying out its statutory duties and responsibilities for the conduct of horse racing; and
h. The commission may require an independent certified audit of the totalizator's software attesting to the accuracy of its calculations and the integrity of its accounting processes.
8. Each licensee shall provide at least one human ambulance and at least one equine ambulance within the enclosure at all times during those hours when the racing and training surface is open for racing and exercising. However, a human ambulance shall not be required to be present during the exercising of Standardbred horses. The ambulances shall be manned and equipped to render immediate assistance, and shall be stationed at a location approved by the stewards.
a. The equine ambulance must be a covered vehicle that is low to the ground and large enough to accommodate a horse in distress. The equine ambulance must be able to navigate on the racetrack during all weather conditions and transport a horse outside the enclosure.
b. The equine ambulance must be equipped with large portable screens to shield a horse from public view, ramps to facilitate loading a horse, adequate means of loading a horse that is down, a rear door and a door on each side, a padded interior, a movable partition to initially provide more room to load a horse and to later restrict a horse's movement, a shielded area for the person who is attending to the horse, and an adequate area for the storage of water and veterinary medicines and equipment.
c. A licensee shall not conduct a race unless an equine ambulance or a commission veterinarian-approved substitute is readily available.
d. The equine ambulance, its supplies and attendants, and the operating procedures for the vehicle must be approved by the commission veterinarian.
e. The licensee shall maintain a properly equipped human ambulance, staffed with certified paramedics at any time the racetrack is open for racing or exercising horses. However, a human ambulance shall not be required to be present during the exercising of Standardbred horses. If the ambulance is being used to transport an individual, horses may not be raced or exercised until the ambulance is replaced.
f. Unless otherwise approved by the stewards, a human ambulance shall follow the field at a safe distance during the running of races, or in the event of inclement weather, two ambulances shall be parked to render immediate service. The human ambulance must be parked at an entrance to the racing surface unless the ambulance is being used to transport a person or when it is following the field during the running of a race.
g. During a racing day, the licensee shall maintain a first aid room equipped with at least two beds and other appropriate equipment, and the services of at least one physician during flat race meetings.
9. Each licensee shall maintain lighting for the racetrack and the patron facilities that is adequate to ensure the safety and security of the patrons, participants and horses. Lighting to ensure the proper operation of the videotape and photofinish devices must be approved by the commission.
a. The licensee shall maintain adequate additional lighting in the stable area as required by the commission.
b. If racing is conducted at night, the licensee shall maintain a backup lighting system that is sufficient to ensure the safety of patrons, participants and horses.
D. Safety. Each licensee shall employ sufficient trained personnel to provide for the safety and security of the public and others who have business within the enclosure. Each licensee shall also take all measures to prevent the outbreak of fires within the enclosure and develop plans for the quick extinguishing of any fires that should occur.
1. Each licensee shall provide sufficient trained security personnel under the supervision of a qualified director of security. If the licensee contracts with a private security service, the security service must be bonded and meet all applicable licensing requirements. If the licensee establishes its own security force, then director of security shall forward to the commission detailed plans for the screening, hiring, and training of its own personnel.
2. The director of security of each licensee shall cooperate fully with the commission and its staff, federal and state law-enforcement agencies, local police and fire departments, and industry security services to enforce all laws and regulations to ensure that horse racing in the Commonwealth of Virginia is of the highest integrity.
3. Each licensee shall develop a detailed security plan describing the equipment (i.e., fences, locks, alarms, and monitoring devices); the procedures to admit persons to restricted areas (i.e., stabling area, paddock, jockeys' or drivers' room, vault, mutuel lines, totalizator room, and test barn); and the trained personnel in sufficient numbers to provide for the safety and security of all persons during racing and nonracing hours.
4. Each licensee may provide a perimeter fence around the entire enclosure, but shall fence off the stabling area. The entrance to the stabling area shall be guarded on a 24-hour basis by uniformed security personnel so that unauthorized persons shall be denied access to the restricted stabling area. The licensee shall also provide for routine patrolling by uniformed security personnel on a 24-hour basis within the stabling area.
5. During racing hours, the licensee shall provide uniformed security personnel to guard the entrances to the paddock, jockeys' or drivers' room, and other restricted areas as may be deemed appropriate by the commission so that unauthorized persons shall be denied access to them.
6. The licensee's director of security shall submit to the commission a written report describing every arrest or completed incident of security investigation or rule violation including the person charged, the charges against the person, the present whereabouts of the person, and disposition of the charges, if any.
7. The licensee's director of security shall submit to the commission a detailed plan describing the procedures to be followed in case of fire or any other emergency within the enclosure. The plan shall contain the resources immediately available within the surrounding communities to cope with fire or other emergencies, route of evacuation for the public, controlling traffic, and those resources available from the surrounding communities for police, fire, ambulance, and rescue services.
8. Each licensee shall observe and enforce all state and local building codes and regulations pertaining to fire prevention, and shall prohibit the following:
a. Smoking in horse stalls, feed rooms, or under the shedrow;
b. Open fires and oil or gasoline burning lanterns or lamps in the stable area;
c. The unsafe use of electrical appliances or other devices which would pose a hazard to structures, horses, permittees, or the public; and
d. Keeping flammable materials including cleaning fluids or solvents in the stabling area.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.18, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990; Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. August 25, 2004; Volume 28, Issue 13, eff. March 27, 2012; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013; Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015.
11VAC10-20-200. Request for racing days.
A. Generally. A holder of an owner-operator's or operator's license has the privilege of conducting horse race meetings at facilities, licensed by the commission, with pari-mutuel wagering for a period of 20 years, subject to annual review by the commission. A holder of an owner-operator's or operator's license shall submit an annual request to the commission for racing days.
B. Where to file request. The licensee shall submit a request for racing days for the following calendar year in writing to the general business office of the commission at a time designated by the commission. The commission may, in its discretion, extend the deadline.
1. A request to be sent by certified mail shall be addressed to:
Executive Secretary
Virginia Racing Commission
Post Office Box 208
New Kent, VA 23124
2. A request to be hand-delivered shall be delivered to:
Executive Secretary
Virginia Racing Commission
1500 East Main Street
Suite 301
Richmond, VA 23219
3. A request delivered by hand or by certified mail will be timely only if received at the main office of the commission by 5 p.m. on or before the date prescribed.
4. Delivery to other than the commission's main office or to commission personnel by hand or by mail is not acceptable.
5. The licensee assumes full responsibility for the method chosen to deliver the request.
C. Content of request. The licensee's request in writing shall include a statement of how the request will provide for the promotion, sustenance, and growth of a native industry, in a manner consistent with the health, safety and welfare of the people, except that the commission, in its discretion, may waive the foregoing. The request shall include the following:
1. A request, signed by an officer of the licensee, for assignment of racing days;
2. A statement of the precise nature and extent of the assignment requested including the total number of racing days requested, the dates within which the racing days are to be conducted and the dark days, the breed or breeds to be utilized, the type or types of racing to be offered, the horse racing facility where the racing days are to be conducted, the hours of racing, and the projected purse structure.
3. A detailed statement of how the request meets the criteria established in 11VAC10-20-220 C; and
4. Any other documentation the licensee deems material to ensure a complete understanding of the request.
D. Amendment of request. A licensee may at any time amend a properly submitted request for racing days for commission approval.
E. Rescission of racing days. The commission may in its discretion rescind one or more racing days assigned to a licensee, if the commission finds that the licensee has not or will not meet the terms of its license. Any days rescinded may be reassigned to another licensee.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.19, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 20, Issue 25, eff. September 23, 2004.
11VAC10-20-210. Owner, owner-operator, or operator unlimited license application fee.
An applicant for an owner's, owner-operator's, or operator's license under § 59.1-375 of the Act must submit a nonrefundable application fee to the commission's designee at the time of application by a certified check or bank draft to the order of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the amount of $10,000 to cover the cost of the background investigations mandated by § 59.1-371 of the Code of Virginia. In the event the cost of the investigation exceeds the $10,000 application fee, the applicant must remit the amount of the difference by certified check or bank draft within 10 days after receipt of a bill from the commission.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.20, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-220. Assignment of racing days.
A. Generally. The commission shall promptly consider a request for racing days and assign racing days to a licensee.
B. Consideration of requests. Upon receipt of a request for assignment or revision of racing days, the commission shall consider the request at its next regular meeting and may, in its discretion, assign the racing days as requested, modify the request, deny the request, or hold a public hearing pursuant to the following procedures.
1. If the commission deems a hearing is appropriate, the commission shall send written notice to the licensee and give due notice of the public hearing. The notice must include a brief description of the request, a statement that persons wishing to participate may do so in writing, the time and place of any public hearing on the request, and the earliest and latest date that the commission may act.
2. The licensee will be afforded the opportunity to make an oral presentation, and the licensee or its representative shall be available to answer inquiries by the commissioners.
3. Any affected parties, including horsemen, breeders, employees of the licensee, representatives of other state and local agencies will be afforded the opportunity to make oral presentations. The public may be afforded the opportunity to make oral presentations and shall be given the opportunity to submit written comments.
4. If, after a request is received, the commission determines that additional information from the licensee is necessary to fully understand the request, the commission shall direct the licensee to submit additional information.
5. If the commission further determines it is necessary for a full understanding of a request, the commission shall request the licensee or a person submitting comments to appear before the commission. The commission shall request the appearance in writing at least five days in advance.
6. If a licensee fails to comply with the foregoing, the commission may deny the request for racing days.
7. A record of the proceedings shall be kept, either by electronic means or by court reporter, and the record shall be maintained until any time limits for any subsequent court appeals have expired.
8. Three or more members of the commission are sufficient to hear the presentations. If the chairman of the commission is not present, the commissioners shall choose one from among them to preside over the hearing.
C. Criteria for assignment of racing days. The commission, in making its determination, must consider the success and integrity of horse racing; the public health and safety, and welfare; public interest, necessity and convenience; as well as the following factors:
1. The integrity of the licensee;
2. The financial resources of the licensee;
3. The ability of the licensee to conduct horse racing, including the licensee's facilities, systems, managers, and personnel;
4. Past compliance of the licensee with statutes, regulations, and orders regarding horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering privileges;
5. The licensee's market, including area, population, and demographics;
6. The performance of the horse race meeting with previously assigned dates;
7. The impact of the assignment of racing days on the economic viability of the horse racing facility including attendance and pari-mutuel handle;
8. The quantity and quality of economic development and employment generated;
9. Commonwealth tax revenues from racing and related economic activity;
10. The entertainment and recreation opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth;
11. The breeds of horse racing;
12. The quality of racing;
13. The availability and quality of horses;
14. The development of horse racing;
15. The quality of the horse racing facility;
16. Security;
17. Purses;
18. Benefits to Virginia breeders and horse owners;
19. Stability in racing dates;
20. Competition among horse racing facilities, other racing days and with other providers of entertainment and recreation as well as its effects;
21. The social effects;
22. The environmental effects;
23. Community and government support;
24. Sentiment of horsemen; and
25. Any other factors related to the assignment of racing days that the commission deems crucial to its decision-making as long as the same factors are considered with regard to all requests.
D. Assigning racing days. In assigning racing days to a licensee, the commission shall designate in writing the total number of racing days assigned, the dates within which the racing days are to be conducted and dark days, the breed or breeds to be utilized, the type or types of racing to be offered, the horse racing facility where the racing days will be conducted, and the hours of racing.
1. The commission shall approve, deny or give its qualified approval to a request for racing days within 45 days after a public hearing, if a public hearing was held on the request.
2. Upon application by the licensee, the commission may, in its discretion, change the assignment of racing days previously made.
3. The commission shall require a bond with surety or a letter of credit in an amount it determines to be sufficient to cover any indebtedness, including but not limited to purses, awards to horsemen and moneys due the Commonwealth of Virginia, incurred by the licensee.
E. Denial of request final. The denial of a request by the commission shall be final unless appealed by the licensee under the provisions of these regulations.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.21, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. August 25, 2004.
11VAC10-20-230. Payment of owner and operator license fee.
An owner's or operator's license becomes effective upon the receipt by the commission of a certified check or bank draft to the order of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the amount of license fees and is suspended if the license fee is not received on or before the specified dates:
1. Owner's license: A nonrefundable fee of $5,000 per year due and payable within 10 days of the original license being issued and on or before January 1 of each succeeding year.
2. Operator's license: A nonrefundable fee of $100 times the number of racing days awarded in the annual application for racing days due and payable on or before January 1 of each year.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.22, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 10, eff. March 14, 1990.
11VAC10-20-240. Transfer or acquisition of interest in owner's, owner-operator's or operator's license.
A. Generally. A licensee already holding a limited or unlimited owner's, owner-operator's or operator's license may apply to the commission to transfer its race meet or meetings to that of another horse racing facility already licensed by the commission.
B. Requirements for transfer of racing days. The licensee shall apply to the commission in writing requesting the transfer of its racing days to that of another licensee stating:
1. The reason for the transfer;
2. Why the transfer will provide for the promotion, sustenance, and growth of horse racing and breeding, in a manner consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of the Commonwealth of Virginia;
3. Why the transfer will maintain horse racing in the Commonwealth of the highest quality, and free of any corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practices and maintain complete honesty and integrity;
4. Why the transfer will not adversely affect the operation of any other horse racing facility licensed by the commission;
5. That the transfer has been expressly consented to by the licensee to which the transfer is to be made;
6. That all licensees agree to be bound by the regulations and requirements placed upon it by the commission before the application for the transfer was submitted; and
7. That all licensees to whom racing days are to be transferred, have paid all and any applicable license fees for the conduct of horse racing, with pari-mutuel wagering privileges, at the particular facility or place for holding races on which the racing is to be conducted.
C. Consideration by commission. The commission will take into account the statement submitted by the licensee and any other testimony or documentation that it deems material before approving or denying the request for transfer of a race meet or meetings. The commission shall act on the application within 60 days of receipt.
D. Acquiring an interest in a licensee. Any person desiring to become a partner, member or principal stockholder of any licensee, or to acquire actual control of a licensee, whether direct or indirect, individually or in concert with others, shall apply to the commission for approval.
1. The commission may demand such information of the applicant as it finds it necessary to consider and act on the application. The application shall include all applicable disclosures required by the commission for licensure as owners or operators, as specified in 11VAC10-20-20 through 11VAC10-20-180 of this chapter. The commission shall consider the application forthwith and shall approve or deny the application within 60 days of receipt. The commission shall deny any application if in its judgment the acquisition would be detrimental to the public interest, or to the honesty, integrity, and reputation of racing.
2. The commission shall approve an application to become a partner, member or principal stockholder if the application meets the criteria set forth in the Act and subdivision 1 of this subsection.
3. The commission shall approve an application to acquire actual control of a licensee only if it finds that the applicant meets the criteria set forth in the Act, the criteria set forth in subdivision 1 of this subsection for a partner, member or principal stockholder, and the criteria set forth in this subdivision.
a. If an applicant proposes to acquire actual control of a licensee, such person shall submit to the commission:
(1) The applicant's proposal for the future operation of any existing or planned racetrack, or satellite facility owned or operated by the licensee;
(2) Such additional information as the applicant desires; and
(3) Such information as may be required by the commission to assure the commission that the licensee, under the actual control of such person, will have the experience, expertise, financial responsibility and commitment to comply with:
(a) The provisions of the Act;
(b) Commission regulations and orders;
(c) The requirements for the continued operation of the licensee pursuant to the terms and conditions in effect on the date of the application of all licenses held by the licensee;
(d) Any existing contract with a recognized majority horsemen's group; and
(e) Any proposal submitted to the commission by such person.
b. Any such acquisition of control without prior approval of the commission shall be voidable by the commission and, in such instance, the commission may revoke any license it has issued to such licensee, order compliance with this subsection, or take such other action as may be appropriate within the authority of the commission.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.23, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 22, Issue 11, eff. March 8, 2006.
11VAC10-20-250. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 2.24, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 10, Issue 13, eff. April 20, 1994.
Part III
Pari-Mutuel Wagering
11VAC10-20-260. Generally.
A. Permitted wagering. All permitted wagering shall be under a pari-mutuel wagering system whereby the holders of winning tickets divide the total amount wagered, less retainage, in proportion to the sums they have wagered individually. All other systems of wagering other than pari-mutuel, e.g., bookmaking and auction-pool selling, are prohibited and any person participating or attempting to participate in prohibited wagering shall be excluded from the enclosure or satellite facility.
B. Persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from wagering. No person under the age of 18 shall be permitted by any licensee to purchase or cash a pari-mutuel ticket. No employee of the licensee shall knowingly sell or cash any pari-mutuel ticket for a person under the age of 18.
C. Posted order of finish. Payment of valid pari-mutuel tickets shall be made on the basis of the order of finish as posted on the display devices and declared "official" by the stewards. Any subsequent change in the order of finish or award of purse money as may result from a ruling by the stewards or commission shall in no way affect the pari-mutuel payout.
D. Errors in payment. The licensee shall be responsible for the correctness of all payouts posted as "official" on the display devices. If an error is made in posting the payout figures on the display devices and discovered before any tickets are cashed, the error shall be corrected accompanied by a public address announcement, and only the correct amounts shall be used in the payout, irrespective of the initial error on the display devices.
1. The licensee shall compare the two independent final pool totals and payouts calculated by the totalizator prior to posting them on the display devices.
2. If an error is made in posting the payout figures on the display devices and discovered after tickets have been cashed, where the public is underpaid, the amount of the underpayment shall be added to the same pool immediately following. Where the public is overpaid, the amount of the overpayment shall be absorbed by the licensee.
3. If any underpayment is discovered after the close of the horse race meeting or an opportunity does not exist to add the amount of the underpayment to the same pool, the total underpayment shall be placed in an interest-bearing account and added to the same pool at the next race meeting of the same breed.
E. Minimum wagers. The minimum wager for straight wagering shall be $2.00. The licensee may determine the minimum wager for multiple wagering, which shall be no less than $.10.
F. Minimum payouts. The licensee shall pay to the holder of any ticket entitling the holder to participate in the distribution of a pari-mutuel pool the amount wagered by the holder plus a minimum profit of 5.0% or $.01, whichever is greater. If such a payout creates a deficiency in the pari-mutuel pool, the licensee shall make up the deficiency from its share of the pari-mutuel wagering.
The licensee, with the approval of the stewards, may bar wagering on a horse or entry in any or all pari-mutuel pools in a stakes race, handicap, futurity or other special event where the licensee has good and sufficient reason to believe that accepting wagers on the horse or entry may result in a deficiency or minus pool. The decision to bar wagering on a horse or entry shall be announced publicly before wagers are accepted on that race.
G. Posting of regulations. A general explanation of this chapter may be posted for the benefit of the public in the wagering areas of the enclosure and satellite facilities.
H. Identification of holder. The licensee shall require positive identification of a holder of a valid winning pari-mutuel ticket before the payment when, in the stewards' discretion, circumstances warrant this action.
I. Wagers placed in cash. The licensee shall only accept wagers placed in cash or vouchers and then only at the racetrack or satellite facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to instruct the mutuel clerks to accept wagers on a "cash only" basis.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.1, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002; Volume 22, Issue 15, eff. March 7, 2006; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013.
11VAC10-20-270. Request for types of pari-mutuel pools.
A. Generally. Each licensee shall submit a request in writing to the commission for approval of the types of pari-mutuel wagering pools that are to be offered to the public during the horse race meeting. The request for approval of types of pari-mutuel wagering pools shall be submitted to the commission in writing no less than 30 days before the scheduled opening day of the horse race meeting.
B. Content of request. The licensee's request in writing shall include a statement of how the request will provide for the promotion, sustenance and growth of a native industry, in a manner consistent with the health, safety and welfare of the people, except that the commission, in its discretion, may waive the foregoing.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.2, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002.
11VAC10-20-280. Approval of pools.
A. Generally. The commission shall promptly consider a request for types of pari-mutuel wagering pools.
B. Consideration of requests. Upon receipt of a request for approval or modification of types of pari-mutuel wagering pools, the commission shall consider the request at its next regularly scheduled meeting, and may, in its discretion, approve the types of pari-mutuel wagering pools as requested, modify the request, or deny the request.
C. Criteria for approval of pools. The commission, in making its determination, must consider the success and integrity of horse racing; the public health and safety, and welfare; and public interest, necessity, and convenience.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.3, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002.
11VAC10-20-290. Pari-mutuel tickets.
A. Generally. A valid pari-mutuel ticket is evidence of a contribution to the pari-mutuel pool operated by the licensee and is evidence of the obligation of the licensee to pay to the holder the portion of the distributable amount of the pari-mutuel pool as is represented by the ticket.
B. Valid pari-mutuel tickets. To be deemed a valid pari-mutuel ticket, the ticket must have been issued by a pari-mutuel ticket machine operated by the licensee and recorded as a ticket entitled to a share of the pari-mutuel pool, and contain imprinted information as to:
1. The name of the licensee;
2. A unique identifying number or code;
3. The name of the track at which the wager is placed;
4. Identification of the terminal at which the ticket was issued;
5. A designation of the racing day for which the wagering transaction was issued;
6. The race number for which the pool was conducted;
7. The types or types of wagers represented;
8. The number or numbers representing the wagering interests for which the wager was made; and
9. The amount or amounts of the contributions to the pari-mutuel pool or pools for which the ticket is evidence.
C. Ticket cancellation. All tickets with a total value of $250 or less on live or simulcast races may be cancelled at any window at any time prior to post time for that race. All tickets exceeding $250 may also be cancelled at any time prior to post time for the race on which the wager was made. However, this cancellation requires the approval of the mutuel manager or his designee. It shall be the responsibility of the mutuel manager or his designee to determine if the approval of the cancellation will considerably alter or manipulate the pari-mutuel pool, and a written report must be submitted to the commission.
D. Invalid claims. There shall be no refunds or payouts for lost or destroyed tickets, or tickets which have been mutilated beyond identification.
E. Identification of tickets. The responsibility for identifying valid pari-mutuel tickets rests with the licensee.
F. Limits on cashing tickets. Payment on valid pari-mutuel tickets, including tickets where refunds are ordered, shall be made only upon presentation and surrender of valid pari-mutuel tickets to the licensee within 180 days after the purchase of the ticket. Failure to present any valid pari-mutuel ticket to the licensee within 180 days after the purchase of the ticket shall constitute a waiver of the right to payment.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.4, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002.
11VAC10-20-300. Operations of the mutuel department.
A. Generally. Each licensee shall strive to keep the daily program of racing progressing as expeditiously as possible with due regard for the health, safety, and comfort of the public and participants. The licensee shall provide a sufficient number of mutuel windows and clerks so that the public will be conveniently accommodated.
B. Post time. Post time for the first race on each racing day shall be approved by the commission upon written request by the licensee. Post time for subsequent races on the same program shall be fixed by the mutuel manager. Where heat racing is utilized in harness racing, the time between separate heats of a single race shall not be less than 40 minutes.
C. Termination of wagering. The pari-mutuel machines shall be locked by a steward immediately upon the start of the race through an electrical control in the stewards' stand or before the start of a race through a method subject to the approval of the commission.
D. Unwarranted delays. If the start of the race is delayed two minutes or more beyond the official post time, as shown on the display devices, for no good reason, the stewards may, in their discretion, lock the ticket-issuing machines.
E. Commencement of wagering. Mutuel windows shall open no less than 30 minutes before the first race. Cashing of tickets shall begin, and selling shall resume, as soon as possible after the official results of a race have been posted on the display devices.
F. Interruptions of wagering. If, for any reason, including a malfunction of the totalizator, the ticket-issuing machines are locked during the wagering on a race before the start, they shall remain locked until after the race. Wagering shall cease on that race, and the payout for that race shall be computed on the sums then wagered in each pool. However, in the event the ticket-issuing machines are inadvertently locked through some human error or mechanical problem, the ticket-issuing machines shall be reopened only on the approval of the stewards, if the system balances when it is again operational.
G. Conclusion of wagering. No pari-mutuel tickets may be sold after the totalizator has been locked, and the licensee shall not be responsible for pari-mutuel ticket sales entered into but not completed by issuance of a ticket before the totalizator has been locked.
H. Designated windows. No pari-mutuel tickets shall be sold except by the licensee, and pari-mutuel tickets shall only be sold at regular windows properly designated by signs and freestanding self-service or ticket issuing devices.
I. Compliance with tax regulations. All payouts on winning tickets shall be subject to withholding of federal and state taxes when the amount of the payout exceeds the dollar threshold set by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In those cases where the payouts require identification and deduction of withholding taxes prior to cashing pari-mutuel tickets to holders, the licensee shall comply with the applicable regulations of the Internal Revenue Service and the statutes of the Commonwealth of Virginia requiring identification and deduction of withholding taxes.
J. Emergency situations. If any emergency arises in connection with the operation of the mutuel department at a racetrack or satellite facility and the emergency is not covered by these regulations and an immediate decision is necessary, the mutuel manager shall make the decision, and make a prompt report of the facts to the stewards and the commission.
K. Simulcast pools. When wagers are commingled at a racetrack in another jurisdiction, the licensee shall make payouts on winning wagers at the price posted at the racetrack where the live race took place. However, once wagering has commenced and circumstances prevent commingling some or all of the wagers to the racetrack in the other jurisdiction, the licensee, through a previously established written policy approved by the commission, shall:
1. Pay prices posted by the racetrack in the other jurisdiction;
2. Establish its own pools using the wagers that were not commingled with the racetrack in the other jurisdiction;
3. Refund all wagers, if an announcement is made not less than two minutes prior to the post time that commingling cannot be accomplished and the circumstances involve only one race; or
4. Refund all wagers, if the wager involves more than one race and an announcement that commingling cannot be accomplished by the start of the first race or not more than 10 minutes after the finish of the first race of the wager, unless there is a payout due a wager as a result of the first race.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.5, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002.
11VAC10-20-310. Wagering interests.
A. Generally. The licensee shall be responsible for the coupling of horses for wagering purposes in accordance with these regulations and shall provide wagering opportunities in accordance with the success and integrity of horse racing as well as the public interest.
B. Coupled entries. When two or more horses run in a race and are coupled for wagering purposes, a wager on one of the horses shall be a wager on all of them. The horses so coupled are called "an entry."
C. Mutuel field. When the individual horses competing in a race exceed the numbering capacity of the display devices, the highest numbered horses within the capacity of the display devices and all horses of a higher number shall be grouped together and called the "mutuel field," and a wager on one of them shall be a wager on all of them.
D. Pools dependent upon wagering interests. Unless the commission otherwise provides, at the time the pools are opened for wagering, the licensee:
1. Shall offer win wagering on all contests with three or more betting interests.
2. Shall offer place wagering on all contests with four or more betting interests.
3. Shall offer show wagering on all contests with five or more betting interests.
4. May offer quinella wagering on all contests with three or more betting interests.
5. May offer quinella double wagering on all contests with three or more betting interests.
6. May offer exacta wagering on all contests with two or more betting interests.
7. May offer trifecta wagering on all contests with three or more betting interests.
8. May offer superfecta wagering on all contests with four or more betting interests.
9. Shall not offer twin trifecta wagering on any contests with six or less betting interests.
E. Steward's approval. Once pools are opened for wagering, no changes to or cancellations of the betting pools shall be made without prior approval of the stewards.
F. Extraordinary circumstances. In extraordinary circumstances, discretion is vested in the stewards to cancel any trifecta, exacta, quinella, or any other multiple wager pool, and assign multiple wagering pools to other races when the stewards believe it would best maintain in horse racing complete honesty and integrity.
G. Stake races and special events. In the case of stake races, handicaps, futurities, and other special events, the licensee may offer any straight and multiple wagering pools regardless of the number of wagering interest upon submission of a request in writing to the commission and approval from the commission or its executive secretary.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.6, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002; Volume 23, Issue 18, eff. May 31, 2007.
11VAC10-20-320. Straight wagering.
A. Generally. Win, place, and show pari-mutuel wagering pools shall be considered "straight wagering." In any race, the win, place, and show pools are treated separately, and the distribution of the profits are calculated independently of each other. The "net pool" to be distributed as profit shall be all sums wagered in the pool, less retainage and breakage, as defined elsewhere in these rules.
B. Win pools. The amount wagered to win on the horse or wagering interest which finished first is deducted from the net pool and the balance which remains is profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the horse or wagering interest finishing first, this quotient being the profit per dollar wagered to win. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to win pools:
1. If there is a dead heat for first involving two horses of two different wagering interests, the net win pool shall be distributed as if it were a place pool. If the dead heat involves horses of three wagering interests, the net win pool is distributed as if it were a show pool; and
2. If no win ticket is sold on the horse which finishes first, then the net win pool is distributed to the holders of win tickets on the horse or wagering interest finishing second. If no such ticket is sold, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.
C. Place pools. The amounts wagered to place on the first two horses to finish are deducted from the net place pool and the balance which remains is profit. The profit is divided into two equal amounts; one-half of the profit is divided by the amount wagered to place on the first finisher, this quotient being the profit per dollar wagered to place on the first finisher; and one-half of the profit is divided by the amount wagered to place on the second finisher, this quotient being the profit per dollar wagered to place on the second finisher. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit.
1. If there is a dead heat for first between horses representing the same wagering interest, the net place pool is distributed as if it were a win pool. If the dead heat is between horses representing two different wagering interests, the place pool is distributed as if one wagering interest finished first and the other finished second. If the dead heat is among horses representing three different wagering interests, the net place pool is distributed as if it were a show pool.
2. If there is a dead heat for second between horses representing the same wagering interest, the net place pool is distributed as if no dead heat occurred. If the dead heat for second is between horses representing two or more wagering interests, the net place pool is divided in half, with one-half allocated to the horse finishing first and the other one-half divided equally so as to allocate one-fourth of the net place pool for wagers to place on each of the two horses finishing in a dead heat for second, or one-sixth of the net place pool for wagers to place on each of three horses finishing in a dead heat for second.
3. If the first and second finishers comprise a single wagering interest, the net place pool is distributed as if it were a win pool.
4. If no place ticket is sold on a horse which finishes first or second, then the horse which finished third shall replace that horse in the distribution of wagers in the net place pool. If no such ticket is sold, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.
D. Show pools. The amounts wagered to show on the first three horses to finish are deducted from the net pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided into three equal amounts. One-third of the net show pool is divided by the amount wagered to show on the first finisher, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered to show on the first finisher; one-third of the net show pool is divided by the amount wagered to show on the second finisher, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered to show on the second finisher; and one-third of the profit is divided by the amount wagered to show on the third finisher, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered to show on the third finisher. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit.
1. If there is a dead heat for first between two horses involving different wagering interests, or three horses involving three different wagering interests, the show pool is distributed as if no dead heat occurred. If the dead heat for first is between two horses including the same wagering interest, two-thirds of the profit is allocated to wagers to show on the coupled wagering interest and one-third of the profit is allocated to wagers to show on the other horse among the first three finishers. If the dead heat for first is among three horses including one wagering interest, the show pool is distributed as if it were a win pool.
2. If there is a dead heat for second between two horses including different wagering interests, the show pool is distributed as if no dead heat occurred. If the dead heat for second is between horses including the same wagering interest, two-thirds of the net show pool shall be allocated to wagers to show on the coupled wagering interest and one-third of the profit shall be allocated to wagers to show on the horse finishing first. If the dead heat for second is among three horses involving two or three wagering interests, one-third of the net show pool is allocated to wagers to show on the horse finishing first and the remaining two-thirds of the net show pool is divided equally by the number of wagering interests finishing in a dead heat for second for proportionate distribution on wagers to show for each wagering interest finishing in a dead heat for second.
3. If there is a dead heat for third between horses involving the same wagering interests, the net show pool is distributed as if no dead heat occurred. If the dead heat for third is among horses involving two or more wagering interests, two-thirds of the net show pool shall be allocated to wagers to show on the first two finishers and the remaining one-third of the net show pool is divided equally by the number of wagering interests finishing in a dead heat for third for proportionate distribution on wagers to show for each wagering interest finishing in a dead heat for third.
4. If the first three horses to finish comprise one wagering interest, the net show pool shall be distributed as if it were a win pool. If two horses coupled as a single wagering interest finish first and second, or first and third, or second and third, two-thirds of the net show pool shall be allocated to wagers to show on the single wagering interest and one-third of the net show pool shall be allocated to wagers on the other horse among the first three finishers.
5. In the event one horse coupled in the wagering by reason of being in the mutuel field or part of a mutuel entry finishes first or second and another horse included in the same wagering interest finishes in a dead heat for third, the allocation of the net show pool shall be:
One-half of the net show pool shall be allocated to the wagers on the field or entry, one-third of the net show pool shall be allocated to the horse finishing first or second, and one-sixth of the net show pool allocated for the horse finishing in a dead heat for third. The remaining one-sixth of the net show pool shall be allocated to wagers on the horse, which was not a part of the mutuel field or entry, finishing in a dead heat for third.
6. In the event only two horses finish, the net show pool, if any, shall be distributed as if it were a place pool. If only one horse finishes, the net show and place pools, if any, shall be distributed as if it were a win pool.
7. If, in the event no show ticket is sold on a horse which finishes first, or second, or third, then, the horse which finished fourth shall replace that horse in the distribution of wagers in the show pool. If no such ticket is sold, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.7, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
11VAC10-20-330. Multiple wagering.
A. Generally. Daily double, quinella, exacta, trifecta, quinella double, pick (n), twin trifecta, and superfecta pari-mutuel wagering pools shall be considered "multiple wagering." In any race or races, the daily double, quinella, exacta, trifecta, quinella double, pick (n), twin trifecta, and superfecta pools are treated separately and the distribution of the pools are calculated independently of each other. The "net pool" to be distributed shall be all sums wagered in the pool, less retainage and breakage, as defined elsewhere.
B. Daily double pools. The daily double wager is the purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the two horses that will finish first in the two races specified as the daily double. If either of the selections fails to win, the pari-mutuel ticket is void, except as otherwise provided. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the horse or wagering interest which finishes first in the first race coupled with the horse or wagering interest finishing first in the second race of the daily double, is deducted from the net pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered on the winning daily double. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to daily double pools:
1. If there is a dead heat for first including two different wagering interests in one of the two daily double races, the daily double pool is distributed as if it were a place pool, with one-half of the net pool allocated to wagers combining the single winner of one daily double race and one of the wagering interests involved in the dead heat in the other daily double race, and with the other one‑half of the net pool allocated to the wagers combining the single winner of one daily double race and the other wagering interest involved in the dead heat in the other daily double race.
2. If there are dead heats for first involving different wagering interests in each of the daily double races which result in winning combinations, the net pool shall be allocated equally to the winning combinations after first deducting from the net pool the amount wagered on all winning combinations for proportionate allocation to the winning daily double combinations.
3. If no daily double ticket is sold combining the horse or wagering interest which finishes first in one of the daily double races, the daily double pool is distributed as if it were a win pool, with the net pool allocated to wagering combinations which include the horse or wagering interest which finished first in one of the daily double races.
4. If no daily double ticket is sold combining the horses or wagering interests which finish first in both the first and second race of the daily double, then the winning combinations for distribution of the daily double profit shall be that combining the horses or wagering interests which finished second in each of the daily double races.
5. If, after daily double wagering has begun, a horse not coupled with another as a wagering interest in the first race of the daily double is excused by the stewards or is prevented from obtaining a fair start, then daily double wagers combining the horse shall be deducted from the daily double pool and shall be promptly refunded.
6. If, after the first race of the daily double has been run, a horse not coupled with another as a wagering interest in the second race of the daily double is excused by the stewards or prevented from obtaining a fair start, then daily double wagers combining the winner of the first daily double race with the horse, which was excused or was prevented from obtaining a fair start, shall be allocated a consolation daily double.
7. Consolation daily double payoffs shall be determined by dividing the net daily double pool by the amount wagered combining the winner of the first daily double race with every horse or wagering interest scheduled to start in the second daily double race, the quotient being the consolation payoff per dollar wagered combining the winner of the first daily double race with the horse prevented from racing in the second daily double race. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. The consolation payoff shall be deducted from the net daily double pool before calculation and allocation of wagers on the winning daily double combination.
8. If for any reason the first race of the daily double is cancelled and declared "no contest" a full and complete refund shall be promptly made of the daily double pool.
9. If for any reason the second race of the daily double is cancelled and declared "no contest," the net daily double pool shall be paid to the holders of daily double tickets which include the winner of the first race. If no such ticket is sold, then the net daily double pool shall be paid to the holders of daily double tickets which include the second place horse. If no daily double tickets were sold on the second place horse, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.
C. Quinella pools. The quinella wager is the purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the first two horses to finish in the race. The order in which the horses finish is immaterial. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the first two finishers irrespective of which horse finishes first and which horse finishes second, is deducted from the net pool to determine the profit. The net pool is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to the quinella pools:
1. If there is a dead heat for first between horses including two different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if no dead heat occurred. If there is a dead heat among horses involving three different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a show pool and the pool is allocated to wagers combining any of the three horses finishing in the dead heat for first.
2. If there is a dead heat for second between horses including two different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a place pool and it is allocated to wagers combining the first finisher with either horse finishing in a dead heat for second. If the dead heat is among horses involving three different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a show pool and it is allocated to wagers combining the first horse with each of the three horses finishing in a dead heat for second.
3. If horses representing a single wagering interest finish first and second, the net quinella pool shall be allocated to wagers combining the single wagering interest with the horse or wagering interest with the horses or wagering interest which finishes third.
4. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first finisher with one of the horses finishing in a dead heat for second, then the net quinella pool is allocated to wagers combining the first finisher with the other horse finishing in a dead heat for second.
5. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first finisher with either of the horses finishing in a dead heat for second, then the net quinella pool is allocated to wagers combining the two horses which finished in the dead heat for second.
6. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first finisher with either of the horses finishing in a dead heat for second, or combining the two horses which finished in a dead heat for second, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a show pool and it is allocated to wagers combining any of the first three finishers with any other horses.
7. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first two finishers, then the net quinella pool shall be distributed as if it were a place pool and it is allocated to wagers combining the first finisher with any other horses and to wagers combining the second finisher with any other horse.
8. If no quinella ticket is sold combining horses or wagering interests as would require distribution, a full and complete refund shall be made of the entire quinella pool.
9. If a horse is excused by the stewards, no further quinella tickets shall be issued designating that horse, and all quinella tickets previously issued designating that horse shall be refunded and deducted from the gross pool.
D. Exacta pools. The exacta wager is the purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the two horses that will finish first and second in a race. Payment of the ticket shall be made only to the purchaser who has selected the same order of finish as officially posted. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the horse finishing first and the horse finishing second, in exact order, is the amount to be deducted from the net exacta pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered on the winning exacta combination. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to the exacta pool:
1. If no ticket is sold on the winning combination of an exacta pool, the net exacta pool shall be distributed equally between holders of tickets selecting the winning horse to finish first and holders of tickets selecting the second place horse to finish second.
2. If there is a dead heat between two horses for first place, the net exacta pool shall be calculated and distributed as a place pool, one-half of the net exacta pool being distributed to holders of tickets selecting each of the horses in the dead heat to finish first with the other horse to finish second.
In case of a dead heat between two horses for second place, the net exacta pool shall be calculated as a place pool, one-half of the net exacta pool being distributed to holders of tickets selecting the horse to finish first and one horse in the dead heat, and the other one-half being distributed to holders selecting the horse to finish first and the other horse in the dead heat.
3. If there is a dead heat for second place and if no ticket is sold on one of the two winning combinations, the entire net exacta pool shall be calculated as a win pool and distributed to holders of the other winning combination. If no tickets combine the winning horse with either of the place horses in the dead heat, the net exacta pool shall be calculated and distributed as a place pool to holders of tickets representing any interest in the net pool.
4. If an entry finishes first and second, or mutuel field horses finish first and second, the net pool shall be distributed to holders of tickets selecting the entry to win combined with the horses having finished third.
5. If no ticket is sold that would require distribution of an exacta pool, the licensee shall make a complete and full refund of the exacta pool.
6. If a horse is excused by the stewards, no further exacta tickets shall be issued designating that horse, and all exacta tickets previously issued designating that horse shall be refunded and deducted from the gross pool.
E. Trifecta pools. The trifecta wager is purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the three horses that will finish first, second, and third in a race. Payment of the ticket shall be made only to the holder who has selected the same order of finish as officially posted. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the horse finishing first, the horse finishing second, and the horse finishing third, in exact order, is deducted from the pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered on the winning combination. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit.
1. If no ticket is sold on the winning combination, the net trifecta pool shall be distributed equally among holders of tickets designating the first two horses in order.
2. If no ticket is sold designating, in order, the first two horses, the net trifecta pool shall be distributed equally among holders of tickets designating the horse to finish first.
3. If no ticket is sold designating the first horse to win, the net trifecta pool shall be distributed equally among holders of tickets designating the second and third horses in order. If no such ticket is sold, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.
4. If less than three horses finish, the payout shall be made on tickets selecting the actual finishing horses, in order, ignoring the balance of the selection.
5. If there is a dead heat, all trifecta tickets selecting the correct order of finish, counting a horse in a dead heat as finishing in either position involved in the dead heat, shall be winning tickets. The net trifecta pool shall be calculated as a place pool.
6. If a horse is excused by the stewards, no further trifecta tickets shall be issued designating that horse, and all trifecta tickets previously issued designating the horse shall be refunded and deducted from the gross pool.
F. Quinella double pools. The quinella double requires selection of the first two finishers, irrespective of order, in each of two specified races.
1. The net quinella double pool shall be distributed to winning wagers in the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish:
a. If a coupled entry or mutuel field finishes as the first two contestants in either race, as a single price pool to those selecting the coupled entry or mutuel field combined with the next separate wagering interest in the official order of finish for that race, as well as the first two finishers in the alternate quinella double race; otherwise
b. As a single price pool to those who selected the first two finishers in each of the two quinella double races; but if there are no such wagers, then
c. As a profit split to those who selected the first two finishers in either of the two quinella double races; but if there are no such wagers on one of those races, then
d. As a single price pool to those who selected the first two finishers in the one covered quinella double race; but if there were no such wagers, then
e. The entire pool shall be refunded on quinella double wagers for those races.
2. If there is a dead heat for first in either of the two quinella double races involving:
a. Horses representing the same wagering interest, the quinella double pool shall be distributed to those selecting the coupled entry or mutuel field combined with the next separate wagering interest in the official order of finish for that race.
b. Horses representing two wagering interests, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as if no dead heat occurred.
c. Horses representing three or more wagering interests, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as a profit split.
3. If there is a dead heat for second in either of the quinella double races involving horses representing the same wagering interest, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as if no dead heat occurred.
4. If there is a dead heat for second in either of the quinella double races involving horses representing two or more wagering interests, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as profit split.
5. Should a wagering interest in the first half of the quinella double be scratched prior to the first quinella pool race being declared official, all money wagered on combinations including the scratched wagering interest shall be deducted from the quinella double pool and refunded.
6. Should a wagering interest in the second half of the quinella double be scratched prior to the close of wagering on the first quinella double contest, all money wagered on combinations including the scratched wagering interest shall be deducted from the quinella double pool and refunded.
7. Should a wagering interest in the second half of the quinella double be scratched after the close of wagering on the first quinella double race, all wagers combining the winning combination in the first race with a combination including the scratched wagering interest in the second race shall be allocated a consolation payout. In calculating the consolation payout, the net quinella double pool shall be divided by the total amount wagered on the winning combination in the first race and an unbroken consolation price obtained. The unbroken consolation price is multiplied by the dollar value of wagers on the winning combination in the first race combined with a combination including the scratched wagering interest in the second race to obtain the consolation payout. Breakage is not declared in this calculation. The consolation payout is deducted from the net quinella double pool before calculation and distribution of the winning quinella double payout. In the event of a dead heat involving separate wagering interests, the net quinella double pool shall be distributed as a profit split.
8. If either of the quinella double races is cancelled prior to the first quinella double race or the first quinella double race is declared "no contest," the entire quinella double pool shall be refunded on quinella double wagers for those races.
9. If the second quinella double race is cancelled or declared "no contest" after the conclusion of the first quinella double race, the net quinella double pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to wagers selecting the winning combination in the first quinella double race. If there are no wagers selecting the winning combination in the first quinella double race, the entire quinella double pool shall be refunded on quinella double wagers for those races.
G. Pick (n) pools. The pick (n) pool requires selection of the first-place finisher in each of a designated number of races. The licensee must obtain approval from the commission or its executive secretary concerning the scheduling of pick (n) contests, the designation of one of the methods prescribed in subdivision 1 of this subsection and the amount of any cap to be set on the carryover. Any changes to the approved pick (n) format require prior approval from the commission or its executive secretary.
1. The pick (n) pool shall be apportioned under one of the following methods:
a. Method 1, pick (n) with carryover. The net pick (n) pool and carryover, if any, shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no such wagers, then a designated percentage of the net pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races; and the remainder shall be added to the carryover.
b. Method 2, pick (n) with minor pool and carryover. The major share of the net pick (n) pool and carryover, if any, shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher of all pick (n) contests, the minor share of the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races; and the major share shall be added to the carryover.
c. Method 3, pick (n) with no minor pool and no carryover. The net pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no winning wagers, the pool is refunded.
d. Method 4, pick (n) with minor pool and no carryover. The major share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in a second greatest number of pick (n) races, the minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be combined with the major share for distribution as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races. If the greatest number of first-place finishers selected is one, the major and minor shares are combined for distribution as a single price pool. If there are no winning wagers, the pool is refunded.
e. Method 5, pick (n) with minor pool and no carryover. The major share of net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in all pick (n) races, the entire net pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in a second greatest number of pick (n) races, the minor share of the pick (n) pool shall be combined with the major share for distribution as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races. If there are no winning wagers, the pool is refunded.
f. Method 6, pick (n) with minor pool, jackpot, major carryover and jackpot carryover. Predetermined percentages of the net pick (n) pool shall be set aside as a major pool, minor pool, and jackpot pool. The major share of the net pick (n) pool and the major carryover, if any, shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher of each of the pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish. If there are no tickets selecting the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, the major net pool shall be added to the major carryover. If there is only one single ticket selecting the first-place finisher of each of the pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish, the jackpot share of the net pick (n) pool and the jackpot carryover, if any, shall be distributed to the holder of that single ticket, along with the major net pool and the major carryover, if any. If more than one ticket selects the first-place finisher of each of the pick (n) races, the jackpot net pool shall be added to the jackpot carryover. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher of the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher of all pick (n) races, the minor net pool of the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher of the greatest number of pick (n) races.
2. If there is a dead heat for first in any of the pick (n) races involving:
a. Horses representing the same wagering interest, the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as if no dead heat occurred.
b. Horses representing two or more wagering interests, the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool with each winning wager receiving an equal share of the profit.
3. Should a wagering interest in any of the pick (n) races be scratched, the actual favorite, as evidenced by total amounts wagered in the win pool at the host track for the race at the close of wagering on that race, shall be substituted for the scratched wagering interest for all purposes, including pool calculations. In the event that the win pool total for two or more favorites is identical, the substitute selection shall be the wagering interest with the lowest program number. The totalizator shall produce reports showing each of the wagering combinations with substituted wagering interests which became winners as a result of the substitution, in addition to the normal winning combination. When the condition of the racecourse warrants a change of racing surface in any of the legs of a pick (n) with four or more races included, and such change has not been known to the public prior to the close of wagering for the pick (n) pool, the stewards shall declare the changed leg(s) an "all win" race(s) for pick (n) wagering purposes only. An "all win" race(s) will assign the winner of that race(s) to each pick (n) ticket holder as their selection for that race.
4. The pick (n) pool shall be cancelled and pick (n) wagers for the individual performance shall be refunded if:
a. At least two races included as part of a pick three are cancelled or declared "no contest."
b. At least three races included as part of a pick four, pick five or pick six are cancelled or declared "no contest."
c. At least four races included as part of a pick seven, pick eight or pick nine are cancelled or declared "no contest."
d. At least five races included as part of a pick 10 are cancelled or declared "no contest."
5. If at least one race included as part of a pick (n) is cancelled or declared "no contest," but not more than the number specified in subdivision 4 of this subsection, the net pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those whose selection finished first in the greatest number of pick (n) races for that program. The distribution shall include the portion ordinarily retained for the pick (n) carryover but not the carryover from previous performances.
6. The pick (n) carryover may be capped at a designated level approved by the commission so that if, at the close of any program, the amount in the pick (n) carryover equals or exceeds the designated cap, the pick (n) carryover will be frozen until it is won or distributed under other provisions of this chapter. After the pick (n) carryover is frozen, 100% of the net pool, part of which ordinarily would be added to the pick (n) carryover, shall be distributed to those whose selection finished first in the greatest number of pick (n) races for that program.
7. A licensee may request permission from the commission to distribute the pick (n) carryover on a specific program. The request must contain justification for the distribution, an explanation of the benefit to be derived and the intended date and program for the distribution.
8. Should the pick (n) carryover be designated for distribution on a specified date and performance in which there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, the entire pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those whose selection finished first in the greatest number of pick (n) races. The pick (n) carryover shall be designated for distribution on a specified date and program only under the following circumstances:
a. Upon approval from the commission as provided in subdivision 7 of this subsection;
b. Upon approval from the commission when there is a change in the carryover cap, a change from one type of pick (n) wagering to another, or when the pick (n) is discontinued;
c. On the closing program of a race meeting.
9. If, for any reason, the pick (n) carryover must be held to the corresponding pick (n) pool to a subsequent race meeting, the carryover shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account approved by the commission. The pick (n) carryover plus accrued interest shall then be added to the net pick (n) pool on a date and program of the race meeting designated by the commission.
10. With the approval of the commission, a licensee may contribute to the pick (n) carryover a sum of money up to the amount of any designated cap.
11. Providing information to any person regarding the covered combinations, amounts wagered on specific combinations, number of tickets sold or number of live tickets remaining is strictly prohibited. This chapter shall not prohibit necessary communication between totalizator and mutuel employees for processing of pool data.
12. The licensee may suspend previously approved pick (n) wagering with the approval of the commission. Any carryover shall be held until the suspended pick (n) wagering is reinstated. The licensee may request approval of a pick (n) wager or separate wagering pool for specific programs.
H. Superfecta pools. The superfecta pool requires selection of the first four finishers, in their exact order, for a single race.
1. The net superfecta pool shall be distributed to winning wagers in the following precedence based upon the official order of finish:
a. As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first four wagering interests; but if there are no such wagers, then
b. As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first three wagering interests; but if there are no such wagers, then
c. As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two wagering interests; but if there are no such wagers, then
d. As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place wagering interest only; but if there are no such wagers, then
e. The entire pool shall be refunded on superfecta wagers for that race.
2. If less than four wagering interests finish and the race is declared official, payouts will be made based upon the order of finish of those wagering interests completing the race. The balance of any selection beyond the number of wagering interests completing the race shall be ignored.
3. If there is a dead heat for first involving:
a. Horses representing four or more wagering interests, all of the wagering combinations selecting four wagering interests which correspond with any of the wagering interests involved in the dead heat shall share in a profit split.
b. Horses representing three wagering interests, all of the wagering combinations selecting the three dead-heated wagering interests, irrespective of order, along with the fourth-place wagering interest shall share in a profit split.
c. Horses representing two wagering interests, both of the wagering combinations selecting the two dead-heated wagering interests, irrespective of order, along with the third and fourth-place wagering interests shall share in a profit split.
4. If there is a dead heat for second involving:
a. Horses representing three or more wagering interests, all of the wagering combinations correctly selecting the winner combined with any of the three wagering interests involved in the dead heat for second shall share in a profit split.
b. Horses representing two wagering interests, all of the wagering combinations correctly selecting the winner, the two dead-heated wagering interests, irrespective of order, and the fourth-place wagering interest shall share in a profit split.
5. If there is a dead heat for third, all wagering combinations correctly selecting the first two finishers, in correct sequence, along with any two of the wagering interests involved in the dead heat for fourth shall share in a profit split.
6. If there is a dead heat for fourth, all wagering combinations correctly selecting the first three finishers, in correct sequence, along with any of the wagering interests involved in the dead heat for fourth shall share in a profit split.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.8, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 14, Issue 1, eff. October 29, 1997; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002; Volume 23, Issue 18, eff. May 31, 2007; Volume 25, Issue 18, eff. June 1, 2009; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013.
11VAC10-20-340. Refunds.
A. Generally. For all wagers other than the daily double, pick three or pick six, a refund at face value shall be made to all holders of pari-mutuel tickets on horses that have been excused by the stewards, participated in a race where no horse finished, or a race, where in the discretion of the stewards, was declared "no contest" for wagering purposes. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, no refund shall be made if the horse excused by the stewards is part of a coupled entry or the field.
B. Nonstarters. If any horse is prevented from obtaining a fair start by failure of the starting gate or other untoward events, the stewards, in their discretion, may order a prompt refund in any pool on that horse.
C. Cancelling pools due to nonstarters. If any horse or horses are prevented from obtaining a fair start so that it would reduce the total number of starters below six, the following shall apply:
1. If horses representing five wagering interests obtain a fair start, the licensee may refund the entire amount wagered in the show pool;
2. If horses representing four or fewer wagering interests obtain a fair start, the licensee may refund the entire amount wagered in the show pool as well as place pool; and
3. If horses representing fewer than two interests obtain a fair start, the race may be declared "no contest" and the entire amount wagered in the win, place and show pools shall be promptly refunded.
D. Cancelling pools due to late scratches. After wagering has commenced on a race and prior to the race being run, should a horse or horses be excused by the stewards resulting in a field of less than six different wagering interests, the following apply:
1. If horses representing five wagering interests will start, the licensee may refund the entire amount wagered in the show pool;
2. If horses representing five or fewer wagering interests will start, the licensee may refund the entire amount wagered in the show pool as well as place pool;
3. If horses representing fewer than two interests will start, the race may be cancelled and the entire amount wagered in the win, place and show pools shall be promptly refunded. However, the horse or horses shall race for the purse as nonwagering event.
E. No refunds. If a horse is left at the post at the start, or the rider or driver is unseated, there shall be no refund.
F. Scratches in entries. If two or more horses in a race are coupled as a wagering interest or the field, there shall be no refund unless all of the horses so coupled are excused by the stewards or all of the horses so coupled are prevented from obtaining a fair start. Discretion, however, is vested in the stewards to order a refund where a part of an entry is excused by the stewards or prevented from obtaining a fair start, where it is in the public interest to do so. In this instance, the remaining part of the entry may race for the purse only.
G. Postponed races. In the case of a race postponed beyond the day originally scheduled, all money wagered on the race shall be refunded.
H. Cancelling turf races. In the event conditions require a race to be moved from the turf to the main racing surface, any advance wager shall be refunded at the request of the holder of the pari-mutuel ticket up until post time of the race. This regulation does not apply to pick (n) wagering.
I. Announcement of refunds. In those cases where a refund is due the public or a pari-mutuel pool is cancelled, the licensee shall promptly inform the public through the public address system and other appropriate means of communication.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 3.9, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990; Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. May 22, 2002; Volume 23, Issue 18, eff. May 31, 2007.
Part IV
Distribution of Purse Money
11VAC10-20-350. Purse amounts.
Pursuant to § 59.1-392 of the Code of Virginia, 8.0% of the pari-mutuel pools for straight wagering, and 9.0% of the pari-mutuel pools for multiple wagers shall be allocated for purse money to participants by the licensee. In making the distribution of purse money, the licensee shall, to the extent possible, maintain purse amounts in proper relationship to actual pari-mutuel handles.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 4.1, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
11VAC10-20-360. Adjustments to purses.
Should levels of pari-mutuel handle create overpayment or underpayment of purses paid during the course of the race meeting, the licensee shall make adjustments in each publication of its condition book to attempt to keep purses consistent with mutuel handles.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 4.2, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
11VAC10-20-370. Overpayments carried over.
If, at the end of the horse race meeting, an overpayment of purses has occurred, the overpayment shall be carried over to the next horse race meeting of the same breed and the overpayment may be recovered by the licensee. The licensee shall recover the overpayment on an even basis over the course of the horse race meeting to prevent serious inconsistencies in purse levels during the horse race meeting.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 4.3, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
11VAC10-20-380. Underpayments carried over.
If, at the end of a horse race meeting, an underpayment of purses has occurred, the underpayment shall be carried over to the next horse race meeting of the same breed. The underpayment must be paid to the horse owners by adding the underpayment to the purses. The licensee shall repay the underpayment on an even basis over the course of the horse race meeting to prevent serious inconsistencies in purse levels during the horse race meeting.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 4.4, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
11VAC10-20-390. Willful underpayment.
Should the commission determine that a licensee willfully failed to adjust purse levels in violation of these regulations for the purposes of retaining purse underpayments from one race meeting to the next, the licensee will be the subject of disciplinary action of the commission.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 4.5, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
11VAC10-20-400. Escrow accounts.
All money received by a licensee for races that require nominating, sustaining, entry, or starting fees must be placed in interest bearing escrow accounts, and all accrued interest must be added to these races if: (i) the total fees received for the race exceed $15,000; or (ii) fees are due and payable for the race more than 180 days in advance of the advertised date of the running of the race.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR662-01-02 § 4.6, Virginia Register Volume 6, Issue 13, eff. April 25, 1990.
Forms (11VAC10-20)
Authorization for Release of Personal Information (eff. 03/00).