Colonial Downs, MJC in Dispute Over Account Betting

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A dispute over account wagering in Virginian could lead to a lawsuit against Colonial Downs, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported May 19.

The Maryland Jockey Club, which has a 50-year management agreement with Colonial Downs, claims the contract obligates Colonial to pay it 2% of all handle generated through any account-wagering system licensed in Virginia. Colonial Downs believes the MJC isn't entitled to any of the money.

The newspaper reported the MJC, via a subsidiary called the Maryland-Virginia Racing Circuit, has filed a bill of complaint in U.S. Circuit Court in Richmond, Va. Unless the parties can settle their differences, the suit will be served, said Lane Kneedler, a lawyer who represents the MJC.

The suit isn't expected to impact the Colonial Downs' meet that runs from June 11 through July 26. Track president Ian Stewart wasn't available for comment.

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