Voters in Virginia reject two Rosie’s Gaming Emporium measures
Local ballots on pari‑mutuel bets failed in Amherst and Pulaski on 3 November 2026
Key Takeaways
- Referendums in Amherst County and Pulaski, Virginia, were rejected on 3 November 2026, blocking new Rosie’s locations operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated.
- Pulaski defeated the measure by 335 votes (1,463 against; 1,128 in favor) and Amherst by 183 votes (7,057 against; 6,874 in favor).
- Commonwealth Wins, linked to Colonial Downs, reported more than $1.85 million in contributions supporting the 2026 campaigns.
- Virginia law requires local voter approval before the Virginia Racing Commission can consider licensing, and bars repeating the same pari‑mutuel referendum within three years.
- Certification of results is scheduled for 7 December 2026 and reported totals remain provisional while ballots are processed.
Voters in Amherst County and in Pulaski, Virginia, rejected two pari‑mutuel referendums on 3 November 2026, blocking the potential opening of new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium locations to be operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Amherst lost the measure by 183 votes and Pulaski by 335 votes. Commonwealth Wins, linked to Colonial Downs, contributed more than $1.85 million to the pro campaign.
Results and key figures
In Pulaski, 1,463 residents voted against pari‑mutuel wagering and 1,128 voted in favor; the margin was 335 votes. Town manager Todd Day said:
“The people spoke. They don’t want it here, so I support that.” — Todd Day
Local officials had projected a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium could generate between $1 million and $2 million annually in local tax revenue and create roughly 75 jobs.
In Amherst County the vote was closer than in 2021. This time opponents won 7,057 to 6,874 in favor; the margin was 183 votes. Amherst had previously rejected a similar measure in 2021 by 7,293 to 6,189.
Financing and campaigns
Commonwealth Wins reported more than $1.85 million in contributions associated with Colonial Downs to support the referendums. In the prior campaign, Amherst Wins with Pari‑Mutuel raised $364,410, including $2,000 from Colonial Downs. Despite greater financial backing in 2026, voters rejected the measures.
Lori Saunders, director of the Amherst County Economic Development Authority, said:
“The EDA saw Rosie as a great economic opportunity. It would have brought jobs, investment, and revenue to the county.” — Lori Saunders
Board of Supervisors member Tom Martin added: “It was put to the county citizens, and they have spoken again.”
Product, regulation and limits on repeat votes
Rosie’s Gaming Emporium operates Virginia locations in Vinton, Collinsville and Dumfries that offer "historical horse racing" machines regulated in the state as pari‑mutuel wagering. These machines use results of races already run to determine payouts and resemble slot machines, but Virginia treats them as pari‑mutuel wagers rather than house‑banked casino games.
Virginia requires local voter approval before the Virginia Racing Commission can consider licensing a satellite wagering facility. State law prohibits a locality from holding the same pari‑mutuel referendum more than once within three years, so neither Amherst nor Pulaski can immediately repeat the question if the results are certified.
Reported totals are provisional while election officials process provisional and mail ballots; certification is scheduled for 7 December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the results in Pulaski on 3 November 2026?
Pulaski rejected the proposal by 335 votes; 1,463 residents voted against and 1,128 voted in favor. Town manager Todd Day said he accepted the result and supported the community’s decision.
How many votes separated Amherst County in 2026 and how does that compare with 2021?
In 2026 Amherst County rejected the measure by 183 votes, with 7,057 against and 6,874 in favor. In 2021 the margin was larger: 7,293 against versus 6,189 in favor.
How much did Commonwealth Wins contribute to the pro campaigns?
Commonwealth Wins reported more than $1.85 million in contributions associated with Colonial Downs to support the 2026 referendums. In 2021, Amherst Wins with Pari‑Mutuel raised $364,410, including $2,000 from Colonial Downs.
What type of machines does Rosie’s Gaming Emporium offer and how does Virginia regulate them?
Rosie’s offers historical horse racing machines that use results of completed races to determine payouts; Virginia regulates them as pari‑mutuel wagering rather than as house‑banked casino games. The facilities do not offer table games with a house bank.
Can Amherst or Pulaski repeat the vote immediately?
No. Virginia law prohibits a locality from holding the same pari‑mutuel referendum more than once within three years, so neither Amherst nor Pulaski can immediately repeat the vote after certification.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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