The HHR figures for October have been released, confirming that historical horse racing continues to maintain its popularity in Virginia.
The Virginians were so enthusiastic that they placed a record-breaking total wager in just one month.
The state of Virginia achieved a remarkable milestone in horse racing, as revealed by the most recent report from the Virginia Historical Horse Racing Commission. In the month of October, Virginians placed an astounding $366.1 million in wagers on HHR machines, setting a groundbreaking record for the highest amount wagered in a single month.
Historical horse racing, also known as HHRs, are games that resemble slot machines. In these games, bettors place wagers on the results of numerous past horse races. However, no information is provided to the bettors, such as:
- the specific race
- where it occurred or
- The jockeys who took part in the event contributed to an outcome that was genuinely random.
However, it continues to be a favored choice in Virginia’s expanding gambling sector.
The seven locations collectively made nearly $4.6 million in total commissions from October’s HHR handle.
In October, Richmond held the top position in HHR handle, reaching an impressive $124.8 million. Hampton closely followed with the second highest handle of $103 million. Colonial Downs secured the third position with a handle of $50.8 million.
October’s record HHR numbers show nearly a $30 million jump in handle
Virginians placed bets amounting to nearly $338 million on HHRs in September. The figures for October show an increase of $28.2 million compared to the previous month, marking a positive trend. Moreover, this growth brings an end to a two-month decrease in HHR handle. In July, Virginia witnessed a peak in HHR machine handle, reaching $353 million, but this declined in the subsequent two months.
October has the highest handle among all the months in this calendar year, while July holds the second-highest total.
Richmond maintained its position as the top handle holder for a single area in Virginia in October, following its previous lead in the same category. In September, Richmond’s handle exceeded $116.1 million, experiencing a month-to-month increase of nearly $8 million.
Virginia’s HHR handle rose by nearly $20 million year to year
- In October of 2019, Virginians placed bets exceeding $139.6 million on HHR machines, marking the inaugural year of legal HHR wagering.
- In October 2020, the HHR handle amounted to approximately $199.4 million the subsequent year.
- Virginia bettors made nearly $348 million on HHR machines in October 2021.
HHR numbers display tangible growth
Virginia’s HHR numbers in 2022 indicate a sustained year-over-year expansion, making monthly growth insignificant in comparison.
In 2022, only the first two months, January and February, recorded an HHR handle below $331 million. Conversely, in 2021, every month except for October concluded with a handle lower than the $331 million threshold.
Even though January 2022 hit a single-month low of $285.6 million, it still surpasses the handle of more than half of the total monthly amounts recorded in 2021.
Where can I use HHRs in Virginia?
If you are located in Virginia and are interested in placing bets on HHRs, you have the option to do so at the following locations:
- Collinsville
- Colonial Downs
- Dumfries
- Hampton
- Richmond and
- Vinton.
Initially, after Virginia had legalized the industry, the sole location where residents were permitted to place bets was Colonial Downs in 2019.
Currently, there are two HHR facilities being constructed. Once these new locations are open to the public, Virginians will have access to approximately 4,000 terminals for betting.
Could changes be coming to Virginia’s HHR industry?
It’s possible.
The oversight of the HHR industry in Virginia is under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Racing Commission. However, there is an increasing need for additional staff and expertise due to the industry’s remarkable growth and record-breaking numbers. This matter has become increasingly urgent.
The latest report from Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) urgently calls for a revision in oversight measures. JLARC states that the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) has failed to implement essential measures for effectively regulating the rapidly growing large-scale commercial gaming industry, specifically referring to Historical Horse Racing (HHR) wagering.
According to the JLARC report, the Virginia gambling industry has experienced a significant 54% increase over the last four years, thanks to HHRs.
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