Henrico Challenges Roseshire Gaming Parlor License Approval
Henrico County’s Legal Challenge Against Roseshire Gaming Parlor
Henrico County has initiated legal action against the Virginia Racing Commission, contending that the commission exceeded its authority by approving a license for the new Roseshire Gaming Parlor.
The lawsuit, filed on November 12, describes the Virginia Racing Commission’s decision as “unlawful” and claims the agency acted beyond its jurisdiction when granting the license.
Governor’s Budget Veto and the Licensing Controversy
Earlier in the year, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a provision in the state budget that would have required a public referendum before any new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium could open in Henrico County.
Unanimous Approval Despite Opposition
In September, the Virginia Racing Commission unanimously approved the Roseshire Gaming Parlor license despite significant opposition from county officials and local residents. Roseshire officially opened on September 29 at the Staples Mill Shopping Center, introducing 175 historical horse racing machines to the area.
These machines operate similarly to slot machines, which is a central point in Henrico’s argument that the commission applied the wrong legal standards when approving the license.
The commission’s approval was based on a 1992 referendum in which Henrico voters consented to pari-mutuel wagering. However, Henrico argues this referendum is outdated because the General Assembly only broadened the definition of pari-mutuel wagering to include historical horse racing as recently as 2018.
The legal filing highlights that when the referendum was passed, historical horse racing slot machines did not exist and would have been illegal under the laws at that time.
Accusations of Broken Promises by Churchill Downs
The county, joined by two local residents, is asking the Richmond Circuit Court to revoke Roseshire’s license and cover legal expenses. The petition also accuses Churchill Downs, Inc., the parent company of Roseshire, of lacking transparency and breaking prior commitments.
In 2019, previous owners of Colonial Downs assured Henrico authorities that they would not open a gaming facility in the county without local approval. Since Churchill Downs acquired Colonial Downs, the county says this promise has been abandoned. The company submitted plans for Roseshire just days before a new ordinance requiring public input would have taken effect.
County Manager John Vithoulkas expressed frustration, saying that residents’ voices were deliberately ignored and criticized Churchill Downs for choosing a path that suggests disinterest in being a responsible community member.
Community Concerns About Neighborhood Impact
Local residents are concerned about the impact of the gaming parlor on the surrounding neighborhoods, which include over 2,700 homes within a mile of the facility. State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg stated that the area should be dedicated to mixed-use redevelopment rather than gaming establishments.
VanValkenburg advocates for a local referendum to allow citizens to decide if such gaming venues should be permitted. He emphasized the importance of community input over corporate interests in this decision.
In its initial days, Roseshire handled wagers exceeding $5.6 million and paid out just over $5 million in winnings.
