Virginia lawmakers push for public referendum on new Rosie’s gambling facility in Henrico

Plans for a proposed Rosie’s Gaming Emporium gambling venue in Henrico County could stall after Virginia lawmakers approved a budget measure requiring a public referendum before any gaming facility can open.

The General Assembly passed the measure on February 22, mandating gambling companies like Rosie’s parent company, Churchill Downs, to hold a referendum before building or operating a facility in Virginia. 

The project, currently under construction at the Staples Mill shopping center, had previously drawn criticism from some residents and officials who say they were not given a chance to vote on it.

Churchill Downs filed for a building permit in June 2024, and Henrico County approved it on November 7, 2024. Under existing zoning laws, the company was allowed to install up to 175 horse racing machines without a public hearing. However, a later zoning amendment required developers to engage with the community.

In December, during a town hall meeting, several community members raised concerns about the project, including potential safety issues. While Brookland District Supervisor Dan Schmitt reassured attendees that the permitting process includes a mandatory crime prevention plan, public sentiment remained divided, WRIC reports.

State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico) criticized Churchill Downs for bypassing public input, stating that local leaders had made efforts to involve residents, but the company resisted.

"Henrico County has bent over backward to try to offer them a path through a public process — and they’ve repeatedly just kind of told us ‘no,’” VanValkenburg said.

The proposed legislation now heads to the Governor’s desk for approval, and if signed, it would ensure that Henrico residents have a direct say in whether the Rosie’s Gaming Emporium can open in their community. 

“This project, like all gambling projects, is going to require the voice of the people of Henrico,” VanValkenburg stated. “The people of Henrico are going to get to have a say over whether or not they want this Rosie’s gambling establishment in their community.”

Meanwhile, Churchill Downs strongly opposed the new requirement, warning that it could damage Virginia’s business climate and create uncertainty for investors.

“These measures send a deeply troubling message to every Virginia business that they may face arbitrary punishment even if they adhere to regulations and follow the law,” it stated.

“We have invested approximately $4.5 million in development and construction costs, and we are continuing construction based on the approved building permit issued by Henrico County on November 7, 2024,” the company said. “These provisions seriously undermine any business’s ability to make long-term investment and hiring decisions, knowing that the rules could change on a whim.”