Preferred Citation

Records of the Virginia Racing Commission[cite specific date and Accession number used], State records collection, The Library of Virginia, Archives Branch, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Acquisition Information

Accession 43956 was transferred by the Virginia Racing Commission, October 2, 2008.

Accession 40541 was transferred by the Virginia Racing Commission, August 21, 2013.

Processing Information

This collection has been processed using minimal processing standards: the original arrangement has been maintained, the container list is brief and simple, and the records have not been refoldered and fasteners have not been removed.

Biographical/Historical Information

The Virginia Racing Commission was enacted in November 1988 and began meeting in 1989. The Commission consisted of five members appointed by the governor and confirmed by a majority of the General Assembly for a five-year term. The commissioners, in turn, appoint an executive secretary who serves as the agency head. The mission of the Virginia Racing Commission according to its strategic plan is "to promote, sustain, grow, and control a native horse racing industry with pari-mutuel wagering by prescribing regulations and conditions that command and promote excellence and complete honesty and integrity in racing and wagering." The Commission issues licenses for the construction, ownership, and operation of unlimited horse racing facilities and limited license race meetings. The Commission also issues permits to all persons participating in these races. On 12 October 1994, the Commission voted to issue an unlimited license to Stansley Management to construct, own, and operate a racetrack. This racetrack, Colonial Downs, opened on 1 September 1997 in New Kent County. Colonial Downs is now owned by Jeffrey and Richard Jacobs' Jacobs Entertainment.

Simulcasting of horseracing began in Virginia in 1991. In 1992, the General Assembly approved legislation permitting up to six satellite-wagering facilities in Virginia. Chesapeake opened the first satellite facility on 18 February 1996. A second satellite facility opened in Richmond on December 10. Hampton and Brunswick satellite facilities were opened in 1997. Still more satellite facilities opened in South Richmond in 2003 and Vinton in 2004. In 2004, the General Assembly amended the Racing Act to permit up to ten satellite-wagering facilities. Referendums passed in Westmoreland, Henry, and Scott counties to open facilities in Martinsville and a second facility in Chesapeake in 2005, and a facility in Scott County in 2006.

In 2003, a new statute was enacted requiring the Commission to license and regulate advance deposit account wagering companies operating in Virginia. As of 2007, The Virginia racing Commission oversaw one live horse racing facility at Colonial Downs, nine satellite-wagering facilities, and four advance deposit account wagering companies

Scope and Content

These records document the planning, direction, and implementation of commission programs and are evidence of actions and policy decisions. Includes director's correspondence, annual and other reports, hearing files, transcripts and minutes, and architectural drawings.

Arrangement

Various arrangements. Records have been kept in their original order.