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Neighbors Urge Rejection of Virginia Betting Referendum

MANASSAS PARK, Virginia – As reported by the Washington Post: "With an off-track betting referendum on the city's ballot Nov. 2, Manassas Park is getting some noisy kibitzing from its bigger, wealthier -- and worried -- neighbors.

"Political leaders in Manassas and Prince William County are urging voters in the little city nearby to reject a proposal that would allow a betting parlor in a shopping center just off a major commuter route. Such a facility, they have argued, could tarnish the region's hard-earned family-friendly image.

"'Butt out' has been the response of some Manassas Park City Council members, who have called their neighbors' advice arrogant.

"…Colonial Downs, Virginia's only parimutuel horse-racing track, has tried before to bring off-track betting to Manassas Park, most recently in 1996. Voters defeated that referendum by 74 votes. Since 1992, Northern Virginia ballot initiatives to allow off-track betting have been defeated soundly in at least six jurisdictions.

"Again the track is hanging its hopes on the city, wagering that this time, most of Manassas Park's 5,400 registered voters will agree to bring the first legal betting parlor to Northern Virginia.

"…Colonial Downs estimates that the betting parlor, which would allow patrons to bet on races nationwide, could provide the city $558,000 annually in tax revenue, and the track hopes that will appeal to voters…"

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