{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/59.1-365.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/59.1-365.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/59.1-365.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/59.1-365.html"}],"law_id":63550,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63550,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-365","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1988, c. 855; 1991, c. 591; 1992, c. 820; 1996, c. 319; 1998, cc. 608, 619; 2005, c. 700; 2007, c. 757; 2015, cc. 731, 751; 2018, c. 811.","full_text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Advance deposit account wagering” means a method of pari-mutuel wagering conducted in the Commonwealth that is permissible under the Interstate Horseracing Act, \u00a7 3001 et seq. of Chapter 57 of Title 15 of the United States Code, and in which an individual may establish an account with an entity, licensed by the Commission, to place pari-mutuel wagers in person or electronically.\n\t\t“Breakage” means the odd cents by which the amount payable on each dollar wagered exceeds a multiple of $0.10.\n\t\t“Commission” means the Virginia Racing Commission.\n\t\t“Dependent” means a son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, or other person, whether or not related by blood or marriage, if such person receives from an officer or employee more than one-half of his financial support.\n\t\t“Drug” shall have the meaning prescribed by \u00a7 54.1-3401. The Commission shall by regulation define and designate those drugs the use of which is prohibited or restricted.\n\t\t“Enclosure” means all areas of the property of a track to which admission can be obtained only by payment of an admission fee or upon presentation of authorized credentials, and any additional areas designated by the Commission.\n\t\t“Handle” means the total amount of all pari-mutuel wagering sales excluding refunds and cancellations.\n\t\t“Historical horse racing” means a form of horse racing that creates pari-mutuel pools from wagers placed on previously conducted horse races and is hosted at (i) a racetrack owned or operated by a significant infrastructure limited licensee or (ii) a satellite facility that is owned or operated by (a) a significant infrastructure limited licensee or (b) the nonprofit industry stakeholder organization recognized by the Commission and licensed to own or operate such satellite facility.\n\t\t“Horse racing” means a competition on a set course involving a race between horses on which pari-mutuel wagering is permitted and includes historical horse racing.\n\t\t“Immediate family” means (i) a spouse and (ii) any other person residing in the same household as an officer or employee, who is a dependent of the officer or employee or of whom the officer or employee is a dependent.\n\t\t“Licensee” includes any person holding an owner’s or operator’s license under Article 2 (\u00a7 59.1-375 et seq.).\n\t\t“Member” includes any person designated a member of a nonstock corporation, and any person who by means of a pecuniary or other interest in such corporation exercises the power of a member.\n\t\t“Pari-mutuel wagering” means the system of wagering on horse races in which those who wager on horses that finish in the position or positions for which wagers are taken share in the total amounts wagered, plus any amounts provided by a licensee, less deductions required or permitted by law and includes pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing and simulcast horse racing originating within the Commonwealth or from any other jurisdiction.\n\t\t“Participant” means any person who (i) has an ownership interest in any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or who acts as the trainer, jockey, or driver of any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or (ii) takes part in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission or in the conduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering there, including but not limited to a horse owner, trainer, jockey, or driver, groom, stable foreman, valet, veterinarian, agent, pari-mutuel employee, concessionaire or employee thereof, track employee, or other position the Commission deems necessary to regulate to ensure the integrity of horse racing in Virginia.\n\t\t“Permit holder” includes any person holding a permit to participate in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission or in the conduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering thereon as provided in \u00a7 59.1-387.\n\t\t“Person” means any individual, group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, business, trust, association, or other legal entity.\n\t\t“Pool” means the amount wagered during a race meeting or during a specified period thereof.\n\t\t“Principal stockholder” means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members, beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the stock of any person which is a licensee, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members, has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such stock. However, “principal stockholder” shall not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Commission.\n\t\t“Race meeting” means the whole consecutive period of time during which horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering is conducted by a licensee.\n\t\t“Racetrack” means an outdoor course located in Virginia which is laid out for horse racing and is licensed by the Commission.\n\t\t“Recognized majority horsemen’s group” means the organization recognized by the Commission as the representative of the majority of owners and trainers racing at race meetings subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.\n\t\t“Retainage” means the total amount deducted from the pari-mutuel wagering pool for (i) a license fee to the Commission and localities, (ii) the licensee, (iii) purse money for the participants, (iv) the Virginia Breeders Fund, and (v) certain enumerated organizations as required or permitted by law, regulation or contract approved by the Commission.\n\t\t“Satellite facility” means all areas of the property at which simulcast horse racing is received for the purposes of pari-mutuel wagering, and any additional areas designated by the Commission.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure facility” means a horse racing facility that has been approved by a local referendum pursuant to \u00a7 59.1-391 and has a minimum racing infrastructure consisting of (i) a one-mile dirt track for flat racing, (ii) a seven-eighths-mile turf course for flat or jump racing, (iii) covered seating for no fewer than 500 persons, and (iv) barns with no fewer than 400 permanent stalls.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure limited licensee” means a person who owns or operates a significant infrastructure facility and holds a limited license under \u00a7 59.1-376.\n\t\t“Simulcast horse racing” means the simultaneous transmission of the audio or video portion, or both, of horse races from a licensed horse racetrack or satellite facility to another licensed horse racetrack or satellite facility, regardless of state of licensure, whether such races originate within the Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction, by satellite communication devices, television cables, telephone lines, or any other means for the purposes of conducting pari-mutuel wagering.\n\t\t“Steward” means a racing official, duly appointed by the Commission, with powers and duties prescribed by Commission regulations.\n\t\t“Stock” includes all classes of stock, partnership interest, membership interest, or similar ownership interest of an applicant or licensee, and any debt or other obligation of such person or an affiliated person if the Commission finds that the holder of such interest or stock derives therefrom such control of or voice in the operation of the applicant or licensee that he should be deemed an owner of stock.\n\t\t“Virginia Breeders Fund” means the fund established to foster the industry of breeding race horses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":231526,"text":"As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Advance deposit account wagering” means a method of pari-mutuel wagering conducted in the Commonwealth that is permissible under the Interstate Horseracing Act, \u00a7 3001 et seq. of Chapter 57 of Title 15 of the United States Code, and in which an individual may establish an account with an entity, licensed by the Commission, to place pari-mutuel wagers in person or electronically.\n\t\t“Breakage” means the odd cents by which the amount payable on each dollar wagered exceeds a multiple of $0.10.\n\t\t“Commission” means the Virginia Racing Commission.\n\t\t“Dependent” means a son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, or other person, whether or not related by blood or marriage, if such person receives from an officer or employee more than one-half of his financial support.\n\t\t“Drug” shall have the meaning prescribed by \u00a7 54.1-3401. The Commission shall by regulation define and designate those drugs the use of which is prohibited or restricted.\n\t\t“Enclosure” means all areas of the property of a track to which admission can be obtained only by payment of an admission fee or upon presentation of authorized credentials, and any additional areas designated by the Commission.\n\t\t“Handle” means the total amount of all pari-mutuel wagering sales excluding refunds and cancellations.\n\t\t“Historical horse racing” means a form of horse racing that creates pari-mutuel pools from wagers placed on previously conducted horse races and is hosted at (i) a racetrack owned or operated by a significant infrastructure limited licensee or (ii) a satellite facility that is owned or operated by (a) a significant infrastructure limited licensee or (b) the nonprofit industry stakeholder organization recognized by the Commission and licensed to own or operate such satellite facility.\n\t\t“Horse racing” means a competition on a set course involving a race between horses on which pari-mutuel wagering is permitted and includes historical horse racing.\n\t\t“Immediate family” means (i) a spouse and (ii) any other person residing in the same household as an officer or employee, who is a dependent of the officer or employee or of whom the officer or employee is a dependent.\n\t\t“Licensee” includes any person holding an owner’s or operator’s license under Article 2 (\u00a7 59.1-375 et seq.).\n\t\t“Member” includes any person designated a member of a nonstock corporation, and any person who by means of a pecuniary or other interest in such corporation exercises the power of a member.\n\t\t“Pari-mutuel wagering” means the system of wagering on horse races in which those who wager on horses that finish in the position or positions for which wagers are taken share in the total amounts wagered, plus any amounts provided by a licensee, less deductions required or permitted by law and includes pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing and simulcast horse racing originating within the Commonwealth or from any other jurisdiction.\n\t\t“Participant” means any person who (i) has an ownership interest in any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or who acts as the trainer, jockey, or driver of any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or (ii) takes part in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission or in the conduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering there, including but not limited to a horse owner, trainer, jockey, or driver, groom, stable foreman, valet, veterinarian, agent, pari-mutuel employee, concessionaire or employee thereof, track employee, or other position the Commission deems necessary to regulate to ensure the integrity of horse racing in Virginia.\n\t\t“Permit holder” includes any person holding a permit to participate in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission or in the conduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering thereon as provided in \u00a7 59.1-387.\n\t\t“Person” means any individual, group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, business, trust, association, or other legal entity.\n\t\t“Pool” means the amount wagered during a race meeting or during a specified period thereof.\n\t\t“Principal stockholder” means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members, beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the stock of any person which is a licensee, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members, has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such stock. However, “principal stockholder” shall not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Commission.\n\t\t“Race meeting” means the whole consecutive period of time during which horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering is conducted by a licensee.\n\t\t“Racetrack” means an outdoor course located in Virginia which is laid out for horse racing and is licensed by the Commission.\n\t\t“Recognized majority horsemen’s group” means the organization recognized by the Commission as the representative of the majority of owners and trainers racing at race meetings subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.\n\t\t“Retainage” means the total amount deducted from the pari-mutuel wagering pool for (i) a license fee to the Commission and localities, (ii) the licensee, (iii) purse money for the participants, (iv) the Virginia Breeders Fund, and (v) certain enumerated organizations as required or permitted by law, regulation or contract approved by the Commission.\n\t\t“Satellite facility” means all areas of the property at which simulcast horse racing is received for the purposes of pari-mutuel wagering, and any additional areas designated by the Commission.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure facility” means a horse racing facility that has been approved by a local referendum pursuant to \u00a7 59.1-391 and has a minimum racing infrastructure consisting of (i) a one-mile dirt track for flat racing, (ii) a seven-eighths-mile turf course for flat or jump racing, (iii) covered seating for no fewer than 500 persons, and (iv) barns with no fewer than 400 permanent stalls.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure limited licensee” means a person who owns or operates a significant infrastructure facility and holds a limited license under \u00a7 59.1-376.\n\t\t“Simulcast horse racing” means the simultaneous transmission of the audio or video portion, or both, of horse races from a licensed horse racetrack or satellite facility to another licensed horse racetrack or satellite facility, regardless of state of licensure, whether such races originate within the Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction, by satellite communication devices, television cables, telephone lines, or any other means for the purposes of conducting pari-mutuel wagering.\n\t\t“Steward” means a racing official, duly appointed by the Commission, with powers and duties prescribed by Commission regulations.\n\t\t“Stock” includes all classes of stock, partnership interest, membership interest, or similar ownership interest of an applicant or licensee, and any debt or other obligation of such person or an affiliated person if the Commission finds that the holder of such interest or stock derives therefrom such control of or voice in the operation of the applicant or licensee that he should be deemed an owner of stock.\n\t\t“Virginia Breeders Fund” means the fund established to foster the industry of breeding race horses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":14224,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Racing Commission","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13336,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:21","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:21","permalink":{"id":261049,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14224,"identifier":"1","token":"59.1\/29\/1","url":"\/59.1\/29\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13336,"edition_id":1,"name":"Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering","identifier":"29","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12809,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","permalink":{"id":261047,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13336,"identifier":"29","token":"59.1\/29","url":"\/59.1\/29\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12809,"edition_id":1,"name":"Trade and Commerce","identifier":"59.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","permalink":{"id":259521,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12809,"identifier":"59.1","token":"59.1","url":"\/59.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":80702,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-364","catch_line":"Control of racing with pari-mutuel wagering","url":"\/59.1-364\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-364","metadata":false},{"id":63550,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-365","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/59.1-365\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-365","metadata":false},{"id":57621,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-366","catch_line":"The Virginia Racing Commission created; members","url":"\/59.1-366\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-366","metadata":false},{"id":79521,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-367","catch_line":"Legal representation","url":"\/59.1-367\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-367","metadata":false},{"id":55437,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-368","catch_line":"Financial interests of Commission members, employees and family members prohibited","url":"\/59.1-368\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-368","metadata":false},{"id":68989,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-369","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Commission","url":"\/59.1-369\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-369","metadata":false},{"id":74538,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-370","catch_line":"Commission; Executive Secretary; staff; stewards","url":"\/59.1-370\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-370","metadata":false},{"id":63855,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-370.1","catch_line":"State Racing Operations Fund","url":"\/59.1-370.1\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-370.1","metadata":false},{"id":57554,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-371","catch_line":"Fingerprints and background investigations; investigations from other states","url":"\/59.1-371\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-371","metadata":false},{"id":65716,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-372","catch_line":"Virginia Breeders Fund","url":"\/59.1-372\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-372","metadata":false},{"id":70170,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-373","catch_line":"Hearing and appeal","url":"\/59.1-373\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-373","metadata":false},{"id":74814,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-374","catch_line":"Injunction","url":"\/59.1-374\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-374","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":80702,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-364","catch_line":"Control of racing with pari-mutuel wagering","url":"\/59.1-364\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-364","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":57621,"structure_id":14224,"section_number":"59.1-366","catch_line":"The Virginia Racing Commission created; members","url":"\/59.1-366\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-366","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/59.1-365\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1988. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 855 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1988 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1991, chapter 591; in 1992, chapter 820; in 1996, chapter 319<\/a>; in 1998, chapters 608<\/a> and 619<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 700<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 757<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 731<\/a> and 751<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 811<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":66964,"section_number":"18.2-326","catch_line":"Penalty for illegal gambling","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-326\/"},{"id":77903,"section_number":"3.2-6201","catch_line":"Horse racing excluded","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6201\/"},{"id":85845,"section_number":"58.1-4015.1","catch_line":"Voluntary exclusion program","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4015.1\/"},{"id":67888,"section_number":"58.1-4030","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4030\/"},{"id":76783,"section_number":"58.1-4103","catch_line":"Voluntary exclusion program","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4103\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":59669,"section_number":"54.1-3401","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3401\/"},{"id":58103,"section_number":"59.1-375","catch_line":"Owner's and operator's license required","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-375\/"},{"id":62312,"section_number":"59.1-376","catch_line":"Limited licenses; transfer of meet; taxation; authority to issue; limitations","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-376\/"},{"id":77163,"section_number":"59.1-387","catch_line":"Permit required; exception","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-387\/"},{"id":58543,"section_number":"59.1-391","catch_line":"Local referendum required","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-391\/"}],"permalink":{"id":261055,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63550,"identifier":"59.1-365","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-365","url":"\/59.1-365\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/59.1-365\/","token":"59.1\/29\/1\/59.1-365","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 59.1-365","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Advance deposit account wagering<\/span>” means a method of pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> conducted in the Commonwealth that is permissible under the Interstate Horseracing Act, \u00a7 3001 et seq. of Chapter 57 of Title 15 of the United States Code, and in which an individual may establish an account with an entity, licensed by the Commission<\/span>, to place pari-mutuel wagers in person<\/span> or electronically.\n\t\t“Breakage<\/span>” means the odd cents by which the amount payable on each dollar wagered exceeds a multiple of $0.10.\n\t\t“Commission<\/span>” means the Virginia Racing Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Dependent<\/span>” means a son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, or other person<\/span>, whether or not related by blood or marriage, if such person<\/span> receives from an officer or employee more than one-half of his financial support.\n\t\t“Drug” shall have the meaning prescribed by \u00a7 54.1-3401<\/a>. The Commission<\/span> shall by regulation define and designate those drugs the use of which is prohibited or restricted.\n\t\t“Enclosure<\/span>” means all areas of the property of a track to which admission can be obtained only by payment of an admission fee or upon presentation of authorized credentials, and any additional areas designated by the Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Handle<\/span>” means the total amount of all pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> sales excluding refunds and cancellations.\n\t\t“Historical horse racing<\/span>” means a form of horse racing that creates pari-mutuel pools<\/span> from wagers placed on previously conducted horse races and is hosted at (i) a racetrack<\/span> owned or operated by a significant infrastructure limited licensee<\/span> or (ii) a satellite facility<\/span> that is owned or operated by (a) a significant infrastructure limited licensee<\/span> or (b) the nonprofit industry stakeholder organization recognized by the Commission<\/span> and licensed to own or operate such satellite facility<\/span>.\n\t\t“Horse racing” means a competition on a set course involving a race between horses on which pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> is permitted and includes historical horse racing<\/span>.\n\t\t“Immediate family<\/span>” means (i) a spouse and (ii) any other person<\/span> residing in the same household as an officer or employee, who is a dependent<\/span> of the officer or employee or of whom the officer or employee is a dependent<\/span>.\n\t\t“Licensee” includes any person<\/span> holding an owner’s or operator’s license under Article 2 (\u00a7 59.1-375<\/a> et seq.).\n\t\t“Member<\/span>” includes any person<\/span> designated a member<\/span> of a nonstock corporation, and any person<\/span> who by means of a pecuniary or other interest in such corporation exercises the power of a member<\/span>.\n\t\t“Pari-mutuel wagering<\/span>” means the system of wagering on horse races in which those who wager on horses that finish in the position or positions for which wagers are taken share in the total amounts wagered, plus any amounts provided by a licensee, less deductions required or permitted by law<\/span> and includes pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> on historical horse racing<\/span> and simulcast horse racing<\/span> originating within the Commonwealth or from any other jurisdiction<\/span>.\n\t\t“Participant<\/span>” means any person<\/span> who (i) has an ownership interest in any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or who acts as the trainer, jockey, or driver of any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or (ii) takes part in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction<\/span> of the Commission<\/span> or in the conduct of a race meeting<\/span> or pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> there, including but not limited to a horse owner, trainer, jockey, or driver, groom, stable foreman<\/span>, valet, veterinarian, agent, pari-mutuel employee, concessionaire or employee thereof, track employee, or other position the Commission<\/span> deems necessary to regulate to ensure the integrity of horse racing in Virginia.\n\t\t“Permit holder<\/span>” includes any person<\/span> holding a permit to participate in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction<\/span> of the Commission<\/span> or in the conduct of a race meeting<\/span> or pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> thereon as provided in \u00a7 59.1-387<\/a>.\n\t\t“Person<\/span>” means any individual, group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, business, trust, association, or other legal entity.\n\t\t“Pool<\/span>” means the amount wagered during a race meeting<\/span> or during a specified period thereof.\n\t\t“Principal stockholder<\/span>” means any person<\/span> who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family<\/span> members<\/span>, beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the stock<\/span> of any person<\/span> which is a licensee, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family<\/span> members<\/span>, has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such stock<\/span>. However, “principal stockholder<\/span>” shall not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Race meeting<\/span>” means the whole consecutive period of time during which horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> is conducted by a licensee.\n\t\t“Racetrack<\/span>” means an outdoor course located in Virginia which is laid out for horse racing and is licensed by the Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Recognized majority horsemen’s group” means the organization recognized by the Commission<\/span> as the representative of the majority of owners and trainers racing at race meetings<\/span> subject to the Commission<\/span>’s jurisdiction<\/span>.\n\t\t“Retainage<\/span>” means the total amount deducted from the pari-mutuel wagering<\/span> pool<\/span> for (i) a license fee to the Commission<\/span> and localities, (ii) the licensee, (iii) purse money for the participants<\/span>, (iv) the Virginia Breeders Fund<\/span>, and (v) certain enumerated organizations as required or permitted by law<\/span>, regulation or contract<\/span> approved by the Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Satellite facility<\/span>” means all areas of the property at which simulcast horse racing<\/span> is received for the purposes of pari-mutuel wagering<\/span>, and any additional areas designated by the Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure facility<\/span>” means a horse racing facility that has been approved by a local referendum<\/span> pursuant to \u00a7 59.1-391<\/a> and has a minimum racing infrastructure consisting of (i) a one-mile dirt track for flat racing, (ii) a seven-eighths-mile turf course for flat or jump racing, (iii) covered seating for no fewer than 500 persons<\/span>, and (iv) barns with no fewer than 400 permanent stalls.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure limited licensee<\/span>” means a person<\/span> who owns or operates a significant infrastructure facility<\/span> and holds a limited license under \u00a7 59.1-376<\/a>.\n\t\t“Simulcast horse racing<\/span>” means the simultaneous transmission of the audio or video portion, or both, of horse races from a licensed horse racetrack<\/span> or satellite facility<\/span> to another licensed horse racetrack<\/span> or satellite facility<\/span>, regardless of state of licensure, whether such races originate within the Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction<\/span>, by satellite communication devices, television cables, telephone lines, or any other means for the purposes of conducting pari-mutuel wagering<\/span>.\n\t\t“Steward<\/span>” means a racing official, duly appointed by the Commission<\/span>, with powers and duties prescribed by Commission<\/span> regulations.\n\t\t“Stock<\/span>” includes all classes of stock<\/span>, partnership interest, membership interest, or similar ownership interest of an applicant or licensee, and any debt or other obligation of such person<\/span> or an affiliated person<\/span> if the Commission<\/span> finds that the holder of such interest or stock<\/span> derives therefrom such control of or voice in the operation of the applicant or licensee that he should be deemed an owner of stock<\/span>.\n\t\t“Virginia Breeders Fund<\/span>” means the fund established to foster the industry of breeding race horses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 59.1-365)\n\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Advance deposit account wagering” means a method of pari-mutuel\nwagering conducted in the Commonwealth that is permissible under the Interstate\nHorseracing Act, \u00a7 3001 et seq. of Chapter 57 of Title 15 of the United States\nCode, and in which an individual may establish an account with an entity,\nlicensed by the Commission, to place pari-mutuel wagers in person or\nelectronically.\n\t\t“Breakage” means the odd cents by which the amount payable on each\ndollar wagered exceeds a multiple of $0.10.\n\t\t“Commission” means the Virginia Racing Commission.\n\t\t“Dependent” means a son, daughter, father, mother, brother,\nsister, or other person, whether or not related by blood or marriage, if such\nperson receives from an officer or employee more than one-half of his financial\nsupport.\n\t\t“Drug” shall have the meaning prescribed by \u00a7 54.1-3401. The\nCommission shall by regulation define and designate those drugs the use of which\nis prohibited or restricted.\n\t\t“Enclosure” means all areas of the property of a track to which\nadmission can be obtained only by payment of an admission fee or upon\npresentation of authorized credentials, and any additional areas designated by\nthe Commission.\n\t\t“Handle” means the total amount of all pari-mutuel wagering sales\nexcluding refunds and cancellations.\n\t\t“Historical horse racing” means a form of horse racing that\ncreates pari-mutuel pools from wagers placed on previously conducted horse races\nand is hosted at (i) a racetrack owned or operated by a significant\ninfrastructure limited licensee or (ii) a satellite facility that is owned or\noperated by (a) a significant infrastructure limited licensee or (b) the\nnonprofit industry stakeholder organization recognized by the Commission and\nlicensed to own or operate such satellite facility.\n\t\t“Horse racing” means a competition on a set course involving a\nrace between horses on which pari-mutuel wagering is permitted and includes\nhistorical horse racing.\n\t\t“Immediate family” means (i) a spouse and (ii) any other person\nresiding in the same household as an officer or employee, who is a dependent of\nthe officer or employee or of whom the officer or employee is a dependent.\n\t\t“Licensee” includes any person holding an owner’s or\noperator’s license under Article 2 (\u00a7 59.1-375 et seq.).\n\t\t“Member” includes any person designated a member of a nonstock\ncorporation, and any person who by means of a pecuniary or other interest in\nsuch corporation exercises the power of a member.\n\t\t“Pari-mutuel wagering” means the system of wagering on horse races\nin which those who wager on horses that finish in the position or positions for\nwhich wagers are taken share in the total amounts wagered, plus any amounts\nprovided by a licensee, less deductions required or permitted by law and\nincludes pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing and simulcast horse\nracing originating within the Commonwealth or from any other jurisdiction.\n\t\t“Participant” means any person who (i) has an ownership interest\nin any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or who acts as the trainer,\njockey, or driver of any horse entered to race in the Commonwealth or (ii) takes\npart in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission or in the\nconduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering there, including but not\nlimited to a horse owner, trainer, jockey, or driver, groom, stable foreman,\nvalet, veterinarian, agent, pari-mutuel employee, concessionaire or employee\nthereof, track employee, or other position the Commission deems necessary to\nregulate to ensure the integrity of horse racing in Virginia.\n\t\t“Permit holder” includes any person holding a permit to\nparticipate in any horse racing subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission or\nin the conduct of a race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering thereon as provided in\n\u00a7 59.1-387.\n\t\t“Person” means any individual, group of individuals, firm,\ncompany, corporation, partnership, business, trust, association, or other legal\nentity.\n\t\t“Pool” means the amount wagered during a race meeting or during a\nspecified period thereof.\n\t\t“Principal stockholder” means any person who individually or in\nconcert with his spouse and immediate family members, beneficially owns or\ncontrols, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the stock of any\nperson which is a licensee, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate\nfamily members, has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more\nof any such stock. However, “principal stockholder” shall not\ninclude a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as\namended, which holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a\npublicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the\nCommission.\n\t\t“Race meeting” means the whole consecutive period of time during\nwhich horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering is conducted by a licensee.\n\t\t“Racetrack” means an outdoor course located in Virginia which is\nlaid out for horse racing and is licensed by the Commission.\n\t\t“Recognized majority horsemen’s group” means the\norganization recognized by the Commission as the representative of the majority\nof owners and trainers racing at race meetings subject to the Commission’s\njurisdiction.\n\t\t“Retainage” means the total amount deducted from the pari-mutuel\nwagering pool for (i) a license fee to the Commission and localities, (ii) the\nlicensee, (iii) purse money for the participants, (iv) the Virginia Breeders\nFund, and (v) certain enumerated organizations as required or permitted by law,\nregulation or contract approved by the Commission.\n\t\t“Satellite facility” means all areas of the property at which\nsimulcast horse racing is received for the purposes of pari-mutuel wagering, and\nany additional areas designated by the Commission.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure facility” means a horse racing\nfacility that has been approved by a local referendum pursuant to \u00a7 59.1-391\nand has a minimum racing infrastructure consisting of (i) a one-mile dirt track\nfor flat racing, (ii) a seven-eighths-mile turf course for flat or jump racing,\n(iii) covered seating for no fewer than 500 persons, and (iv) barns with no\nfewer than 400 permanent stalls.\n\t\t“Significant infrastructure limited licensee” means a person who\nowns or operates a significant infrastructure facility and holds a limited\nlicense under \u00a7 59.1-376.\n\t\t“Simulcast horse racing” means the simultaneous transmission of\nthe audio or video portion, or both, of horse races from a licensed horse\nracetrack or satellite facility to another licensed horse racetrack or satellite\nfacility, regardless of state of licensure, whether such races originate within\nthe Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction, by satellite communication devices,\ntelevision cables, telephone lines, or any other means for the purposes of\nconducting pari-mutuel wagering.\n\t\t“Steward” means a racing official, duly appointed by the\nCommission, with powers and duties prescribed by Commission regulations.\n\t\t“Stock” includes all classes of stock, partnership interest,\nmembership interest, or similar ownership interest of an applicant or licensee,\nand any debt or other obligation of such person or an affiliated person if the\nCommission finds that the holder of such interest or stock derives therefrom\nsuch control of or voice in the operation of the applicant or licensee that he\nshould be deemed an owner of stock.\n\t\t“Virginia Breeders Fund” means the fund established to foster the\nindustry of breeding race horses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.\n\nHISTORY: 1988, c. 855; 1991, c. 591; 1992, c. 820; 1996, c. 319; 1998, cc. 608,\n619; 2005, c. 700; 2007, c. 757; 2015, cc. 731, 751; 2018, c. 811.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}