Henrico County Challenges Rosie's License: Legal Battle Over Controversial Gaming Parlor
Henrico County officials have taken legal action against the newly-opened Rosie’s in the West End, arguing that the venue should not have been granted a license to operate. The controversial gaming parlor, which opened in the Staples Mill Shopping Center, features 175 horse racing machines and has faced opposition from residents, local leaders, and lawmakers. The heart of the controversy lies in the lack of public input before the venue was approved to open.
Churchill Downs, Inc., the company behind Rosie’s, filed a building permit for the venue just days before Henrico leaders changed rules to require public input on such developments. Despite efforts to push for a public vote, the campaign failed, allowing Churchill Downs to proceed with licensing and opening the new Rosie’s. Henrico County has now filed a petition for appeal against the Virginia Racing Commission, challenging the decision to grant the license to Churchill Downs.
The county argues that the Virginia Racing Commission improperly relied on a referendum from 1992, which approved "pari-mutuel wagering" in Henrico. However, Henrico claims that the nature of wagering has fundamentally changed since then, making the referendum outdated and irrelevant. The appeal also highlights concerns about the location of the new Rosie’s and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Henrico officials accuse Churchill Downs of disregarding the concerns of residents and elected officials and proceeding with the development of Rosie’s without proper approval. The county is seeking to have the license revoked and for Churchill Downs to cease operating the horse racing terminals within the venue. The case is ongoing, and updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.