Town of Pulaski (Pulaski County) — Offtrack Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Ballot measure · November 3, 2026 · Pulaski voters
Results: the official election results site. Counts are unofficial until certified.
- What it does
- Shall pari-mutuel wagering be permitted in the Town of Pulaski at satellite facilities in accordance with Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia?
- A YES vote means
- Pari-mutuel wagering would be allowed at satellite facilities in the Town of Pulaski under state law.
- A NO vote means
- Pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities would not be permitted in the Town of Pulaski by this vote.
- Needed to pass
- A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
- Left–right lean
- Unclear: our AI read of the official summary isn't confident enough (we require 70%) to place this on the left–right spectrum, so we don't. Read the summary and decide for yourself.
Explained
Today
- Pari-mutuel wagering at satellite (offtrack) facilities is not permitted in the Town of Pulaski. Virginia law lets such a facility open in a locality only after local voters approve it in a referendum.
- Rosie's Gaming Emporium, owned by Churchill Downs, runs eight Virginia locations (Collinsville, Dumfries, Emporia, Hampton, Henrico County, New Kent County, Richmond and Vinton). They are licensed as pari-mutuel historical horse racing facilities and do not offer house-banked table games. State law caps these licenses at 12.
- Town officials say Pulaski faces tens of millions of dollars in water and sewer projects without an easy funding source.
If it passes
- A 'yes' vote permits pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities in the Town of Pulaski under Chapter 29 of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia. That clears the local step for a Rosie's Gaming Emporium; the facility would still need a state license.
- Churchill Downs has identified two vacant buildings on East Main Street as possible sites, one in the Pulaski mall and one in Pulaski Plaza, but has not chosen one.
- A 'no' vote keeps satellite pari-mutuel wagering out of the town.
- Only registered voters who live inside the town limits vote on this question; Pulaski County residents outside the town do not.
Who would notice
Residents and businesses in the Town of Pulaski, especially along East Main Street, and the town budget. Estimates of the town's revenue from a facility range from about $1 million to $2 million a year.
How it got here
Churchill Downs and Town Councilman Joel Burchett Sr. filed the request on July 1, 2026. Petitions were signed by at least 5% of the town's registered voters, and a circuit court order placed the question on the November 3 ballot, Cardinal News reported.
A state budget change that took effect in July 2026 lets host localities keep the gaming tax revenue instead of sharing half of it with New Kent County, home of Colonial Downs. Amherst County voters face the same question this year; they rejected it in 2021, 7,293 to 6,189.
What each side says
Supporters
- Town Manager Todd Day calls it 'an amazing opportunity for the town,' estimating more than 75 jobs and at least $1 million a year (later up to $2 million) for the general fund, plus spending at nearby shops and restaurants. He says the money would help with water and sewer projects that could otherwise mean rate increases averaging 25% for three straight years. Commonwealth Wins, the group behind the referendum, says Pulaski would keep every dollar generated.
Opponents
- No organized opposition campaign in Pulaski was found. WDBJ reported that some residents object on moral and social grounds and others want assurances that town leaders would spend any tax revenue responsibly; the town manager acknowledged 'mixed emotions in the community.'
In the news
See your members of Congress and every race and measure on your ballot in Pulaski County, from your address. Your address stays in your browser.Look up my races
Next elections here
Quick answers
- What does a YES vote on Town of Pulaski (Pulaski County) mean?
- Pari-mutuel wagering would be allowed at satellite facilities in the Town of Pulaski under state law.
- What does a NO vote on Town of Pulaski (Pulaski County) mean?
- Pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities would not be permitted in the Town of Pulaski by this vote.
- Is this a casino?
- Not in the full sense. Rosie's locations are licensed as pari-mutuel historical horse racing facilities, where bets are placed on machines based on past horse races, and they do not offer house-banked table games.
- How much money would the town get?
- Estimates vary. Town Manager Todd Day told Cardinal News up to $1 million a year, Churchill Downs told WDBJ at least $1 million, and Virginia Business reported Day expects about $2 million a year for the general fund.
- Can I vote on this if I live in Pulaski County?
- Only if you are a registered voter living inside the Town of Pulaski. County residents outside the town limits do not vote on it.
- If it fails, can it come back?
- Not right away. State law says a referendum on this question cannot be held in the same locality more often than once every three years, and the Virginia Racing Commission cannot license a satellite facility there without voter approval.
- How many votes does Town of Pulaski (Pulaski County) need to pass?
- A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
- Should I vote yes or no on Town of Pulaski (Pulaski County)?
- SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
- When is the vote?
- The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem · Corrections