Virginia: Churchill Downs opens new Rosie's Gaming Emporium in Emporia

Kentucky-based Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has opened a new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Emporia, Virginia. Named Rosie’s Emporia, the facility is located on West Atlantic Street, convenient to Interstate 95 and features 150 Historical Racing Machines (HRMs), simulcast horse racing, a restaurant, and bar.

As part of the opening, CDI granted a $25,000 donation to five local charities including the Family YMCA of Emporia/Greenville, Community Youth Center, Emporia Greenville Recreation Association, Communities in Schools of Virginia and H.E.A.R Me Out. The donations are made possible through the "Rosie's Gives Back" program.

“This marks our seventh Rosie’s gaming property and adds to our tremendous success in Virginia, taking us to the Southern border of the state for the first time,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO for CDI. “The Emporia location builds on CDI’s commitment to providing top-quality jobs and generating significant tax revenues across the Commonwealth while delivering quality entertainment.”

The company said the new property will create more than 100 full and part-time jobs and generate approximately $1 million in annual tax revenue for the city of Emporia. As per the company, since the opening of the first Rosie’s five years ago, more than $400 million has been invested in Rosie’s and Colonial Downs across the Commonwealth of Virginia, creating over 1,200 new jobs and now contributing $54 million a year in state and local tax revenue.

The opening comes as CDI also explores new opportunities in its home market of Kentucky. Early this month, Governor Andy Beshear placed the ceremonial first sports bet in the Bluegrass State at Churchill Downs, marking phase one of sports betting legalization in the state. September 28 will see apps take bets as well, which will allow people to bet anywhere in the Commonwealth.