Virginia Casinos

Lynda Belcher
Virginia is a state caught in between the North and the South. It is unique in that it maintains a quick-paced Northern rhythm with a sense of Southern hospitality. A Commonwealth, Virginia maintains a great sense of history and a keen focus on environmental preservation. Virginia is actually one of four commonwealths in the entire country. Virginia Beach is a popular coastal locale, attracting a number of tourists each year to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean or rest on the sandy-white beaches.

There are several famous aspects of Virginia, including: the location of the Pentagon in Arlington, the centrally located Appalachian Trail, and the infamous Williamsburg Theatre. There are many historical hotspots in Virginia, attracting historians from all over the world to come and study its colonial heritage. There are several famous people hailing from Virginia, including Ella Fitzgerald, June Carter Cash, Wayne Newton and Patsy Cline.

Virginia is a place for the outdoors. Many people visit the state of hike Appalachian Trail - it is one the more popular tourist destinations in the entire state.

However, for all of its outdoor and historical activities, there is still a place for Virginia casinos to thrive. While there have not been many Virginia casinos established just yet, the opportunity is there.

Colonial Downs, located in New Kent, has seen great success as one of Virginia's few casino options. This Virginia casino features thoroughbred racing for the abundance of horseracing enthusiasts in the area. Owned by Magna Entertainment Corp., Colonial Downs boasts a restaurant on its premises as well as harness racing and various tournaments and contests held throughout the year. The admission fees are very reasonable and wagering is simple and fun. This Virginia casino features programs with information on the horses and gives you wagering directions. Since this is one of the only Virginia casinos, there are a number of locals who visit Colonial Downs on a regular basis to get their taste of gambling. Horseracing is popular with these outdoor-oriented residents and getting a chance to spend time outdoors while gambling suits them just fine.

While this is the only "official" casino listed for Virginia, numerous online casinos operate from within this state. Online casinos have the advantage of operating as a Virginia casino, but attracting players worldwide. As online casinos become more commonplace, Virginia casinos may again begin to thrive in this environment, where outdoor activities are still dominant, but entertainment like Virginia casinos are necessary and can be highly successful in this state.


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Published by Lynda Belcher

I have more than 15 years of journalism experience, with more than seven as the Specialty Products Editor for a large, daily Florida newspaper, with responsibilities including managing freelance writers, wri...  View profile

  • Colonial Downs, located in New Kent, has seen great success as one of Virginia's few casino options.
  • This Virginia casino features thoroughbred racing for the abundance of horseracing enthusiasts in th
  • While this is the only 'official' casino listed for Virginia, numerous online casinos operate from w
There are several famous aspects of Virginia, including: the location of the Pentagon in Arlington, the centrally located Appalachian Trail, and the infamous Williamsburg Theatre.

1 Comments

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  • Alchemy Annie9/10/2007

    Unfortunately, even Colonial Downs isn't a true casino. All you can do is bet on the races. No slots or table games, or anything similar. You do find the odd poker tournament at the off track betting places, but that's about it. I do agree with you that a casino in Virginia would do very well. A casino boat leaving out of Waterside would do amazingly well. I don't think our lawmakers will ever go for it though- but then again, I said that about the lottery too!

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