Virginia track to get slots-like machines

A Virginia House committee has approved a bill to install slots-like machines at the Colonial Downs racetrack.

US.- The Colonial Downs horse-racing track is way far from its glory days but could soon receive a boost from the state Legislature. A bill to allow slots-like betting machines to operate in the Richmond venue has cleared a Virginia House committee last Friday and is set to be further discussed soon.

The House Appropriations Committee voted 21-1 and approved the bill to revive the race track by allowing historical horse race wagering, as it lets players gamble faster by betting on races that have already happened. Despite receiving major approval at the committee, the proposal will be further discussed once it reaches the House floor in the next few days.

The proposal would’ve already been set up if it weren’t for facing major opposition from House Speaker Kirk Cox, who objected the original intention to include the new form of gambling inside former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s budget. Instead, he insisted it be filed as a standalone bill to have standard public hearings.

In case the bill gets finally approved, gambling machines will be installed at a few off-track betting parlors around the state, besise the Colonial Downs.