HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Construction is now underway for the new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium for Colonial Downs horse race betting in Hampton.
Rosie’s is a $40 million gambling venue, a restaurant and an attraction in itself — with 700 historical horse racing games.
It’ll be owned and operated by the Colonial Downs Group, and inhabit the former NASCAR Sports Grille and Luckie’s Dueling Pianos spaces in the Power Plant of Hampton Roads Entertainment District
City leaders and officials for Rosie’s parent company are very excited, and hope this will be a “win-win” for everyone.
“You’re essentially playing a slot machine type of device, but you’re betting on horse racing, so it’s a more entertaining way to bet on horse racing industry,” said Aaron Gomes, the COO of the Colonial Downs Group.
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Rosie’s is the first to bring this type of gambling to Virginia. The Colonial Downs Group is building a handful of locations around the state — the first will be at the Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent.
“So it’s really a win-win for all of us,” said Hampton City Councilmember Linda Curtis. “This has always been an under-utilized shopping center, and so we’re really excited to have this particular business coming in.”
Rosie’s is also expected to bring hundreds of well-paying jobs to the area, with salaries averaging $40,000 plus.
The gaming venue will be open 8 a.m. – 2 a.m., seven days a week, with a minimum of 7 security officers on property at all times.
“The city’s been great to deal with, obviously the demographics and the location right off the highway,” Gomes said. “It’s well positioned to bring in tourists from outside the city.”
The venture is also anticipated to generate $2 million in taxes annually for Hampton.
So far officials say they’ve received zero pushback on bringing the gambling facility to the city.
It’s expected to open in September.