10/10/06-A bill has died that would have tapped into an unusual source for road dollars – pari-mutuel betting on horse races.
Sponsored by Delegate Phillip Hamilton, R-Newport News, HB5045 remained in the House Committee on General Laws.
The bill would have allowed “instant racing,” in which bettors wager on races that have already been run. Forty-nine percent of the profits would have been earmarked for the transportation trust fund.

9/20/06-A bill expected to draw consideration during the four-day special session on transportation that starts Wednesday, Sept. 27, would tap into an unusual source for road dollars – pari-mutuel betting on horse races.
Sponsored by Delegate Phillip Hamilton, R-Newport News, HB5045 would allow “instant racing,” in which bettors wager on races that have already been run.
Hamilton estimates the game could bring in $500 million annually. The bill would earmark 49 percent of the profits to the transportation trust fund.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-877-391-3228.