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.