Richmond-Area Casino Build Stalls as Legislators Seek Public Approval

Plans for a casino near Virginia's capital city of Richmond could be altered if the state General Assembly has its way. 

Legislators on Saturday approved a budget plan that would require all prospective casino companies to gain approval from local voters in a public referendum. That rule applies to the owner of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, the planned facility in Henrico County, Churchill Downs.

Residents in the surrounding area of the building site at Staples Mill shopping center previously expressed concern with the project.

Hitting the pause button

Churchill Downs filed its building permit in June 2024 after Brookland District Supervisor Dan Schmitt said it could build up to 175 horse racing machines without gaining public approval. That privilege came as a result of the proposal adhering to strict land-use agreements.

The permit was granted on Nov. 7, 2024.

Days after the filing, the Henrico County Board of Supervisors approved a zoning amendment that required applicants to seek public approval before they could proceed with their project.  

A December town hall meeting saw local residents share their concerns with the project. 

Public safety and possible increases in crime were cited as the primary reasons for disapproval, although Schmitt said that crime prevention plans would be created to address the increased risks.

Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico County) also said the general lack of public input and approval left locals feeling like they were outcasts in their own city.

“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.

Impeding business opportunities?

Despite the opposition, critical officials are not summarily dismissing the possibility of building a casino. Instead, they want to protect the voices of their constituents.

“This project, like all gambling projects, is going to require the voice of the people of Henrico — 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,” said VanValkenburg.

Churchill Downs took an opposing stance. The company released a statement that criticized the added hoops to jump through and said it was a punishment for following the protocols in place.

“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,” the company said in a statement sent to 8News. “These provisions seriously undermine any businesses’ ability to make long term investment and hiring decisions knowing that the rules could change on a whim.”

The casino company said it already invested $4.5 million into building costs.