Virginia voters reject Rosie’s gaming facility referendums in Amherst and Pulaski
Regulation2 min read
Voters in Amherst County and Pulaski, Virginia, rejected referendums on permitting pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities, reportedly blocking a step towards possible Rosie’s Gaming Emporium locations. Amherst recorded 7,057 votes against and 6,874 in favour; Pulaski recorded 1,463 against and 1,128 in favour. The results remained unofficial while election officials processed provisional and late-arriving mail ballots.
Voters in Amherst County and the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, rejected referendums that would have permitted pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities. The results were unofficial, because election officials were still processing provisional and late-arriving mail ballots.
Supporters cited potential employment, entertainment and tax revenue, while opponents raised concerns about gambling addiction, the effect on existing businesses and changes to community character.
For Amherst County, this was the second time a similar proposal was turned down. In the 2021 Madison Heights gaming facility referendum, approximately 7,293 voters opposed it, and 6,189 supported it. The county's supervisors stayed neutral through the most recent campaign. Lori Saunders, who directs Amherst County’s Economic Development Authority, voiced disappointment at the outcome. Her statement said: “It would have brought jobs, investment, and revenue to the county.” Tom Martin, a member of Amherst County's Board of Supervisors, said residents had again stated their position through the vote. Martin stated: “It was put to the county citizens, and they have spoken again.”
According to VPAP, Amherst Wins with Pari-Mutuel, a group formed ahead of the 2021 referendum, raised $364,410, a total that included $2,000 from Colonial Downs. This year, Commonwealth Wins reported contributions above $1.85 million, all of it tied to Colonial Downs.
Pulaski had never before held a vote on the issue. Churchill Downs and a local councilman backed a petition drive that helped put the measure on the ballot. Supporters, including town officials, projected about 75 jobs and annual local tax revenue of $1 million to $2 million from a gaming facility. The report notes that neither the projected jobs nor the tax receipts were guaranteed. Todd Day, Pulaski's town manager, said the result disappointed him. Day also said: “They don’t want it here, so I support that.”
Churchill Downs Incorporated owns Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, which runs facilities with historical horse racing machines. Rosie’s sites already run by Churchill Downs in Virginia include Vinton, Collinsville and Dumfries. Should the unofficial results be certified, neither proposal will move forward via these referendums.