Richmond’s Expanded Rosie’s Location Follows Casino Rejection
Following the rejection of a casino by Richmond voters, the city’s Rosie’s gaming location has significantly expanded. Originally, it was limited to 700 machines due to state regulations, but it now boasts close to 1,200 machines—a change approved by state regulators with minimal public involvement.
Technically considered a “satellite” facility of Colonial Downs race track in New Kent County, the Richmond Rosie’s has more than double the number of gambling machines compared to the actual race track. This expansion has sparked concerns from two state lawmakers who question the legitimacy of the approval process for the Richmond expansion.
State records indicate that the Virginia Racing Commission granted permission for 500 additional historical horse racing machines—similar to slot machines—without including this decision in any public meeting agenda for discussion and vote. Instead, an email authorization for the expansion was sent by a former Commission staff member just a day after the Colonial Downs Group made its request.
In a letter to the Racing Commission, State Senator Lashrecse Aird and Delegate Paul Krizek urged the Commission to pause the renewed license for Richmond until their queries were settled. They expressed concerns that the expansion lacked public transparency and might not comply with existing legal regulations.
The lawmakers highlighted a critical legal question regarding the legality of the new machines, given Virginia’s rule that prevents adding more machines in proximity to cities authorized to host casinos. Petersburg, about 22 miles south of Richmond, has recently gained this status, further complicating the issue.
While supporters argue that a larger Rosie’s could generate more jobs and tax revenue, opponents warn that it leads to increased gambling losses for residents. Virginia’s legalization of gambling has raised issues regarding regulation effectiveness and clarity, as exemplified by the Richmond Rosie’s situation.
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration has called for reforms in Virginia’s gambling regulations. As the Richmond Rosie’s expansion moves forward without addressing these policymakers’ concerns, lawmakers stress the need for transparency in decisions affecting the public.
