Rosies’s New Kent officially opens at Colonial Downs Racetrack

NEW KENT COUNTY, VA (WWBT) - After months of anticipation, the Colonial Downs Racetrack opened its doors to the public once again.

It was all fun and games on Tuesday for hundreds of people who tried their luck at the new Rosie’s Gaming Emporium.

“If I win, I win. If I don’t, I don’t. I just like the feeling of gambling," said Hazella Thornhill-King of Richmond.

She came with hundreds of dollars, ready to try out the new digital betting machines.

After Colonial Downs closed back in 2014, it took new wagering legislation introduced in 2018 to finally set into motion the eventual rebirth of racetrack.

“It’s going to be a great venue for entertainment. It’s going to be a great facility for the Cmmonwealth of Virginia,” said Senator Tommy Norment (R-Virginia), who backed the legislation.

The sound of those machines filled the air of Rosie’s, attracting both racing and gambling fans alike to try out the new attractions.

“I like blackjack so this is something different," said Charles Davis of New Kent County. "It’s something that obviously a lot of people enjoy, by the turnout, and it would just take some practice to get used to it.”

Each one of the slot-like machines are expected to generate $150-$160 per day, spelling out big money for the county.

“We’ve all been waiting a long time for this," said Shaun Heroux, who was here with friend, Dacia Brady.

Both seemed optimistic of what the future holds for their home county now with the revamping of the racetrack facility.

“I’m really glad that it’s open and bringing new revenue to the county,” said Brady.

The first horse race at Colonial Down is scheduled for August 8.

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