Lawmakers question how Rosie’s was approved to add more gambling machines in Richmond
Richmond, Virginia residents saw an unexpected turn in their local gambling landscape. After voters rejected a proposed casino, the city’s Rosie’s gaming facility—technically a satellite location of the Colonial Downs racetrack—significantly expanded its operations.
Expansion Despite Restrictions
Originally capped at 700 gambling machines, Rosie’s in Richmond now boasts nearly 1,200. This expansion occurred with what some are calling a lack of transparency, as state regulators approved the addition of 500 historical horse racing (HHR) machines without a public meeting or vote. These HHR machines closely resemble traditional slot machines but operate using the results of past horse races.
The Richmond Rosie’s now holds more than twice the number of gambling machines as the Colonial Downs racetrack itself in New Kent County. This growth has prompted concerns from state lawmakers regarding the approval process and its legality.
Questionable Approval Process
State Senator Lashrecse Aird and Delegate Paul Krizek questioned the process in a letter to the Virginia Racing Commission, stating the expansion “appears to have occurred without transparent public Commission action, clear statutory authorization or reconciliation with existing regulatory limits.” The lawmakers raised concerns that the expansion may violate a state rule prohibiting additional HHR machines within 35 miles of a city approved for a casino, as Petersburg, Virginia—approximately 22 miles from Richmond—is slated to receive a casino.
The Racing Commission renewed the Richmond license in December 2024 without addressing the lawmakers’ questions. The Commission declined to comment on the approval process when asked, and refused to release 17 pages of related correspondence, citing exemptions for attorney-client privilege and governor’s office working papers.
Conflicting Interests and Future Oversight
Churchill Downs, the parent company of Colonial Downs, maintains that all machine deployments are approved in accordance with state law. The company also highlighted the charitable contributions and tax revenue generated by the Richmond facility, totaling $100,000 annually to local groups and “millions of dollars” to Richmond city schools and public safety.
The lawmakers suggest the need for a comprehensive Virginia Gaming Commission to provide consistent oversight and ensure transparency in decision-making. Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration has also expressed support for an overhaul of the state’s gambling regulation system.
A Casino Rejection’s Unexpected Outcome
Ironically, the expansion of Rosie’s in Richmond was facilitated by Richmond voters rejecting a full-scale casino. A 2020 law allowed the racing industry to add more HHR machines if Richmond did not pursue a casino. When Richmond was removed from the list of eligible casino locations in 2024, Churchill Downs argued that regulators were obligated to authorize the additional machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a historical horse racing machine?
Historical horse racing machines strongly resemble traditional slot machines but are powered by a digital archive of past horse races.
How many machines does Rosie’s in Richmond now have?
Rosie’s in Richmond now has nearly 1,200 gambling machines, an increase from the original cap of 700.
What concerns have been raised about the expansion?
State lawmakers have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the approval process and whether the expansion violates state rules regarding proximity to cities approved for casinos.
As Virginia continues to navigate the complexities of legalized gambling, the situation in Richmond raises questions about the balance between economic benefits and responsible regulation.