Petition seeks to place Rosie’s Gaming Emporium referendum earlier than Amherst voters in November

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — A renewed effort is underway to carry a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium to Amherst County, with supporters working to position the difficulty earlier than voters this November.

Churchill Downs Incorporated, the corporate that owns and operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporium places throughout Virginia, has filed a petition with the Amherst County Circuit Court to start the referendum course of.

If authorized for the poll, the referendum would ask voters whether or not they assist permitting pari-mutuel wagering in Amherst County. A positive vote might pave the way in which for Rosie’s Gaming Emporium to open within the county.

I feel it could be a foul concept. I do know it could be some good revenue for the county; nonetheless, we have sufficient crime occurring, and I really feel like that might add to it,” Linda Campbell, an Amherst County resident, said.

A similar referendum failed in 2021.

Rosie’s currently operates eight locations across Virginia: Collinsville, Dumfries, Emporia, Hampton, Henrico County, New Kent County, Richmond and Vinton. While the facilities resemble casinos, they are legally classified as pari-mutuel historical horse racing venues and do not offer house-banked table games.

“I would not wager on a horse,” said David Woodson, an Amherst County resident. “I’m an old style man.”

At this time, no location has been announced for the potential gaming facility in Amherst County.

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On Monday, Amherst County residents shared mixed opinions about the proposal, with some expressing support for the potential economic impact.

It would give people stuff to do. I enjoy going to a casino sometimes,” stated resident Fred Adams.

“I don’t see why not to have it. 100%. There’s no reason not to,” stated resident Donald Curry. “There’s a lot of people here who like to game; they go into every gas station around here, and every restaurant around here, and they play their games. They don’t get the return-to-player like they should from a casino like Rosie’s.”

“We’re seeing increased prices everywhere we go, and having a little extra revenue coming in would help all the residents,” Resident Rex Brust stated. “It could help the county out, bring some revenue to the county.”

However, others voiced considerations about bringing playing to the group.

“Just cause it’s bringing job opportunities doesn’t mean it would be good for the environment, because it could bring crime rates up,” Resident Jack Adams stated. “Robberies would probably go up. Probably vehicle thefts would go up as well.”

I perceive it might carry jobs to the world, however hopefully we might discover jobs some other place,” Resident Sheletta Jackson stated.

To qualify for the November poll, organizers should acquire signatures from roughly 1,200 registered voters in Amherst County, equal to five% of the county’s registered citizens.

According to courtroom paperwork, a courtroom order authorizing the referendum should be filed no less than 81 days earlier than the Nov. 3 election, inserting the signature deadline someday in August.