Lines form for Roseshire opening following citizen participation criticism

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Roseshire Gaming Parlor opened in the West End on Monday, Sept. 29 for the first time after being mired in controversy over the public's involvement.

Sitting on Staples Mill Road and Glenside Drive, 8News watched as lines formed out the door despite some criticism.

"I'm going to hit a jackpot!" said Short Pump resident Vivian Giddiens. "How about that?"

At the Staples Mill Shopping Center, slots, 175 horse racing machines and simulcast wagering on horse racing are open.

New Rosie’s opens in Henrico despite controversy

Inside, there's a possibility to walk away with hundreds or thousands of dollars from its parent company -- Churchill Downs Inc. -- which operates Colonial Downs and Rosie's casinos across the commonwealth.

"My wife's been rushing me since about six this morning. It's almost like she couldn't sleep. She's so excited to get her," said Andre Thompson. "It's like the first day of school."

"Staff was amazing. I got blessed today, and I'm coming back," another visitor said.

With help from those customers, Roseshire expects millions in tax revenue coming to Henrico and to help attract world class racing to Colonial Downs.

The addition to the Rosie's family though is not a consensus welcome.

Youngkin’s budget veto allows Henrico Rosie’s to open as planned

Some residents over the months have pointed to little resident participation, including last year when the parent company filed Roseshire's building permit just before public input would have been required.

Saying Churchill Downs did everything right, Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a budget amendment that would have required public input.

"When he vetoed it, he vetoed the people, and I think that's really reprehensible," said Guy Holloway, who voted for Gov. Youngkin. "It's a bad move, and it just speaks very badly of him."

The folks visiting Roseshire are keeping their fingers crossed, however, and hopefully watching Henrico grow.

"So far, I don't see anything wrong with them. We're grown adults. No one's out here to do any harm, to anyone. They're trying to gamble, make a lot of money and go home," Giddiens said.

State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico) said he'll keep pushing for public participation going forward.