Virginia voters block two Rosie’s Gaming Emporium referendums in November 2026
Amherst and Pulaski reject pari‑mutuel proposals despite $1.85m in campaign backing
Key Takeaways
- Amherst County voters rejected pari‑mutuel wagering 7,057 to 6,874 on 3 November 2026, a 183‑vote margin.
- Pulaski voters opposed the measure 1,463 to 1,128, a margin of 335 votes.
- Commonwealth Wins reported more than $1.85 million in contributions linked to Colonial Downs supporting the campaigns.
- Projected local benefits in Pulaski included $1 million–$2 million in annual tax revenue and roughly 75 jobs.
- Certification of the unofficial totals is scheduled for 7 December 2026 and the law bars a repeat referendum within three years.
Voters in Amherst County and Pulaski, Virginia, rejected two pari‑mutuel wagering referendums on 3 November 2026, blocking potential new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium locations backed by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Amherst County lost by 183 votes, while Pulaski opposed the measure by 335 votes; Commonwealth Wins reported more than $1.85 million in contributions connected to Colonial Downs for the campaign.
Vote outcomes and margins
Pulaski residents voted 1,463 against and 1,128 in favor of permitting pari‑mutuel wagering. Local officials had projected that a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium could generate between $1 million and $2 million in annual local tax revenue and create approximately 75 jobs.
Amherst County’s result was 7,057 against to 6,874 in favor — a margin of 183 votes. The county previously rejected a similar referendum in 2021 by 7,293 to 6,189. Campaign spending increased substantially between the two contests: Commonwealth Wins reported contributions exceeding $1.85 million linked to Colonial Downs this cycle, versus $364,410 raised by Amherst Wins with Pari‑Mutuel in 2021, which had included a $2,000 contribution from Colonial Downs.
Campaign positions and local reaction
Churchill Downs Incorporated backed the expansion efforts through the Commonwealth Wins campaign, arguing for jobs and additional tax revenue. Opponents cited concerns about gambling addiction, potential crime, threats to local businesses and changes to the rural character of the communities.
"The people spoke," Pulaski Town Manager Todd Day said on Wednesday. "They don't want it here, so I support that."
Lori Saunders, director of the Amherst County Economic Development Authority, described the proposal as an economic opportunity. > "The EDA saw Rosie as a great economic opportunity," she said in a statement. "It would have brought jobs, investment, and revenue to the county." Board of Supervisors member Tom Martin added: "It was put to the county citizens, and they have spoken again." County supervisors had remained neutral during the campaign.
Regulatory and legal constraints
Rosie’s Gaming Emporium already operates facilities in Virginia, including locations in Vinton, Collinsville and Dumfries that use historical horse racing machines regulated as pari‑mutuel wagering rather than conventional casino gambling. These facilities do not offer house‑banked table games.
Virginia law prevents new satellite pari‑mutuel facilities from opening without local voter approval before the Virginia Racing Commission can consider licensing a site. The statute also generally bars the same locality from holding an identical pari‑mutuel referendum more than once within three years, so neither Pulaski nor Amherst can immediately repeat the vote if results are certified.
Next steps and certification
Reported totals remain unofficial while election officials process provisional and qualifying mail ballots. Certification of results is scheduled for 7 December 2026. If certified, the results will block the Virginia Racing Commission from proceeding with licensing for those proposed Rosie’s developments in the respective localities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the final vote totals in Pulaski and Amherst?
Pulaski voted 1,463 against and 1,128 in favor of pari‑mutuel wagering; Amherst County voted 7,057 against and 6,874 in favor. Both referendums were held on 3 November 2026.
How much money was reported in support of the referendums?
Commonwealth Wins reported more than $1.85 million in contributions linked to Colonial Downs for the campaign supporting the referendums, compared with $364,410 raised by Amherst Wins with Pari‑Mutuel in 2021.
What economic benefits did supporters claim for Pulaski?
Supporters in Pulaski estimated a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium could generate between $1 million and $2 million in annual local tax revenue and create approximately 75 jobs.
Can either locality hold the same referendum again immediately?
No. Virginia law generally prevents a locality from holding the same pari‑mutuel wagering referendum more than once within three years, so neither Pulaski nor Amherst can immediately repeat the vote if the results are certified.
Tags
About the author
Marcus Webb
Industry Deals Correspondent
Marcus Webb covers the deal flow of the gambling industry — operator strategy, M&A, market entries, and product launches from sportsbook rebrands to full platform migrations. The reports name the companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as disclosed and separate the announcement from its market impact. When a group consolidates a brand or a challenger launches into a new state, Marcus Webb explains who gains, who pays, and what closes next quarter.
More from Marcus Webb
