
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 9, 1995                   TAG: 9504100064
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: HAMPTON                                 LENGTH: Medium

OFF-TRACK PARLOR COULD OPEN IN FALL

Virginia's first off-track betting parlor would open in Hampton as early as this fall under an application submitted by racetrack operator Colonial Downs.

Colonial Downs, which last October won the state license to build and operate a pari-mutuel horse track in New Kent County, applied for the satellite wagering license Friday despite a lawsuit that threatens the track project.

Under state law, the off-track betting location could start operation up to a year before the Colonial Downs track is up and running. The track's opening is tentatively scheduled for June 1996, although the timing is uncertain because a failed applicant is appealing the Virginia Racing Commission's decision.

The commission is scheduled to take up the off-track betting application April 19, said Donald R. Price, executive secretary.

The betting site at Hampton's New Market North Mall would operate year-round, taking no-limit bets on horse races around the country. Colonial Downs projects 1,600 bettors a day would use the parlor and wager an average of $92 each.

``We are very happy with the site,'' said Arnold Stansley, president of Colonial Downs. ``We are trying to build an identity and to produce a purse account so that when horses come to the track in New Kent, they will have [a sizable amount of money] to race for.''

Under state law, Colonial Downs can operate up to six off-track betting parlors. It must apply for each license separately.

Besides approval from the Racing Commission, Colonial Downs needs a special-use permit from Hampton City Council.

Hampton voters approved off-track betting parlors in a November 1993 referendum.

``It definitely would help us,'' said Hampton Councilman Charles A. Wornom. ``It would not only be an attraction for local people, but for tourists as well.''

A lawsuit challenging the Colonial Downs project was filed in Richmond Circuit Court by the Virginia Jockey Club, one of four failed applicants. The group wants the court to overturn the earlier decision and award it the license for a track in Prince William County.

A hearing is set for May 8.

Keywords:
HORSE RACING

by CNB