The Virginian-Pilot 
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, April 9, 1995                  TAG: 9504090075
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: HAMPTON                            LENGTH: Short :   47 lines

RACE-TRACK OPERATOR SEEKS STATE'S FIRST LICENSE FOR OFF-TRACK BETTING

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

Colonial Downs, which, in 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 operating 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 at its April 19 meeting, said Donald R. Price, the commission's 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 that 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.

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

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. by CNB