Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect is identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect is identified.
StateVirginiaIntroduced
SB 159: Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing, percentage retained for distribution.
Russet Perry
SB 159 status: Introduced — Continued from last session (updated Jul 21, 2026).
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
Low
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
68OUT OF 100
Score:68/100 civic fit
Risk:Low Risk
Impact:Low Impact 25/100
Constitutionality90%
Bipartisan50%
Public opinion50%
Bill summary
Pari-mutuel wagering; historical horse racing; percentage retained for distribution. Provides that with respect to all authorized historical horse racing terminals, of the amount that a horse racing licensee retains from wagering on historical horse racing pools and in addition to the current distribution required under law, 0.025 percent each shall be distributed to the Shenandoah County Agricultural Foundation and the Great Meadow Foundation to support the promotion, education, maintenance, and safety of horse racing at such facilities. The bill also increases the distribution percentage provided from the amount that a horse racing licensee retains from wagering on historical horse racing pools to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund from 0.01 percent to 0.025 percent.
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
Positive outlook
60%
Benefits
- Provides predictable revenue for Shenandoah County Agricultural Foundation.
- Ensures specific funding for the Great Meadow Foundation.
- Supports horse racing facility maintenance through earmarked funds.
Risks
- Reduces net retained earnings for historical horse racing licensees.
- Mandates additional financial distributions from current revenue pools.
- Increases compliance complexity for distribution accounting.
Society
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect is identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect is identified.
Technology Industry
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect is identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect is identified.
Civic Accountability
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect is identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect is identified.
Public Health & Safety
Positive outlook
75%
Benefits
- Increases funding for Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.
- Strengthens resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- Enhances support capacity for public health initiatives in gaming.
Risks
- Increased funding does not guarantee efficacy of treatment.
- Relies on wagering volume for funding stability.
- Gaming expansion may continue to drive demand for these services.
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
Economic impact analysis is limited to revenue redistribution effects.
Analysis scope
Source material is an abstract and lacks full legislative text.
04
Where it stands
Official record- IntroducedCurrent
- CommitteeUpcoming
- Chamber votesUpcoming
- Final agreementUpcoming
- GovernorUpcoming
- EnactedUpcoming
05
How it affects your district
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06
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