Voters in Amherst County and the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, have rejected referendums that would have allowed pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities, blocking a required step towards potential Rosie’s Gaming Emporium locations in both communities.
In Amherst County, 7,057 voters opposed the proposal, compared with 6,874 in favour, a margin of 183 votes. In Pulaski, 1,463 voted against the measure, and 1,128 supported it, giving opponents a 335-vote lead.
The results were unofficial as election officials continued processing provisional and late-arriving mail ballots.
The referendums asked voters whether pari-mutuel wagering should be permitted at satellite facilities. Approval would have met a local voter-approval requirement, allowing the Virginia Racing Commission to consider licensing a facility. It would not have automatically approved a specific property, development plan or operator.
Supporters cited potential employment, entertainment, and tax revenue, whilst opponents raised concerns about gambling addiction, the impact on existing businesses and changes to community character.
The latest result marks Amherst County’s second rejection of a similar proposal. In 2021, approximately 7,293 voters opposed a referendum that could have allowed a gaming facility in Madison Heights, compared with 6,189 who supported it. Although the 2026 vote was closer, opponents again secured a majority.
Critics cited concerns about gambling addiction, potential crime, harm to existing businesses and the county’s rural character. Some also argued that voters had already made their position clear in the previous election. County supervisors remained neutral during the latest campaign.
Lori Saunders, Director of Amherst County’s Economic Development Authority, expressed disappointment with the result. “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.”
Amherst County Board of Supervisors member Tom Martin said residents had once again made their position clear through the vote. “It was put to the county citizens, and they have spoken again,” he stated.
The campaigns also differed in their funding. Amherst Wins with Pari-Mutuel, an advocacy group formed ahead of the 2021 referendum, raised $364,410, including $2,000 from Colonial Downs, according to VPAP. This year, Commonwealth Wins reported more than $1.85 million in contributions, all linked to Colonial Downs.
The Pulaski referendum was the town’s first vote on the issue. A petition campaign backed by Churchill Downs and a local councilman helped place the measure on the ballot.
Supporters, including town officials, projected that a gaming facility could create about 75 jobs and generate $1 million to $2 million in annual local tax revenue. They also cited a recent change in state law that they said would allow the town to retain all revenue from the applicable gaming tax.
Supporters argued that the additional revenue could help fund public services without raising existing local taxes. However, the projected jobs and tax receipts were not guaranteed.
Opponents questioned whether the potential economic benefits would outweigh gambling-related harm and other social costs.
Pulaski Town Manager Todd Day said he was disappointed by the result, saying he had hoped the proposal would generate additional revenue for the community. However, he said he respected the voters’ decision.
“The people spoke,” Day said Wednesday. “They don’t want it here, so I support that.” He also pointed to new businesses and restaurants opening in Pulaski as signs of continued economic activity.
Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, operates facilities featuring historical horse racing machines. These machines use results from previous horse races to determine wagering outcomes.
Although they resemble slot machines, Virginia classifies them as pari-mutuel wagering rather than traditional casino gaming. Rosie’s facilities also do not offer house-banked table games.
Churchill Downs already operates Rosie’s locations in Virginia communities including Vinton, Collinsville, and Dumfries. The Amherst County and Pulaski proposals could have opened the licensing path for additional facilities.
Under Virginia law, local voter approval is required before the Racing Commission can issue an initial licence for a racetrack or satellite wagering facility. The same referendum question generally cannot return more frequently than once every three years.
If the unofficial results are certified, the two proposals will not advance through these referendums. Amherst County will have rejected the measure for a second time, whilst Pulaski’s first attempt to secure voter approval will have ended.