This morning (Tuesday Sept. 27), the Virginia Racing Commission approved the Virginia Equine Alliance’s request to open a second Off Track Betting Center in Richmond.
The OTB will be in a restaurant called “Ponies & Pints”, and is located downtown in Shockoe Bottom at 110 North 18th Street, near the Farmer’s market area, train station, many restaurants and bars, and lots of people. This was the former site of Tiki Bob’s Cantina.
Ponies & Pints has its own 26 car parking lot, is 5,500 square feet and can accommodate 300 people. One room in the restaurant will be dedicated exclusively to horseplayers and in other sections, sports will be mixed in with racing signals. Plans include two manned betting terminals, and seven self bet machines. There will also be 60 craft beers available on tap. Renovations to the building are currently in progress.
The first OTB in Breaker’s Sports Bar in Richmond’s west end is expected to open later this month. Renovations are in full swing. The OTB is located in the TJ Maxx Shopping Center on Broad Street between Parham and Gaskins Road.
Progress updates will be available at www.virginiahorseracing.com.