“The Rose,” an expanded version of the Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums found across Virginia, has overcome a significant obstacle on its path to opening in Dumfries.
The project was recommended by the Dumfries Planning Commission on Monday with a unanimous vote of 5-0.
The latest development in the plan for a gaming center, resort, and entertainment destination in northern Virginia is underway, with an estimated budget of $389 million.
What’s coming up? The Dumfries Town Council is about to announce their recommendation regarding the proposed HHR resort. This establishment aims to rival Virginia’s upcoming casinos in attracting Virginians’ gambling investments.
Decision time for Dumfries
Colonial Downs Group Inc. currently manages five Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums, with an existing location already established in Dumfries.
Previously, the company had announced its ambitious plans for The Rose, which is in addition to its operations of the Colonial Downs horse racing track and a Rosie’s in New Kent.
The resort would bear a striking resemblance to a fully operational casino. It’s worth noting that HHR machines closely resemble and function similarly to conventional slot machines, albeit operating within a distinct legal framework.
Apart from its massive cost and scale, the project’s most unique element would be its placement. The Rose would be built on the Potomac Landfill, a long-standing eyesore in Dumfries. Alongside the gaming parlor, the site would include a vast 93.5-acre park with an amphitheater, recreational trails, sports facilities, and extensive green areas.
This endeavor is ambitious and has the potential to bring about a significant change in a city of 5,000 people, which has long been grappling with issues of crime, poverty, and unemployment. However, similar to any gaming venture, accurately predicting its impact on the economy and the well-being of the residents remains challenging.
The final decision will ultimately rest with the Dumfries council. On September 21, council members will convene to deliberate on a rezoning and conditional use permit. Moreover, the public will have the opportunity to provide their input during the meeting.
Colonial Downs is expected to complete the purchase of the landfill in early 2022, provided that the council approves the project.
Can HHR compete with Virginia and Maryland casinos?
Currently, Maryland boasts a total of six functioning casinos, while the upcoming years will witness the emergence of four new casinos in Virginia. The commonwealth is on the verge of approving a casino in Richmond, which will potentially include the inclusion of Colonial Downs.
Colonial Downs officials are optimistic that The Rose project will proceed as intended, and they anticipate commencing construction in mid-2022. The phased opening is slated to commence in 2025, which is a significant advantage for Dumfries residents. This development would enable Colonial Downs to shut down the widely despised landfill a decade earlier than planned, which is a major benefit for the community.
According to officials at Colonial Downs, the initiative has the potential to generate an annual tax revenue of $48 million. Additionally, it is expected to create 640 job opportunities with an average salary of $47,000.
While The Rose project may not provide traditional table games, slot machines, and a poker room commonly found in complete casinos, it does offer numerous amenities typically associated with major casino-resorts. This sets The Rose apart from existing Rosie’s locations.
- Racebook/off-tracking betting
- Hotel rooms
- Retail space, bars, and restaurants.
- Meeting and event space
- Theater
Dumfries is situated a mere 30 miles away from the borders of Washington, DC, and Maryland. Additionally, in the event that a Richmond casino does open, The Rose will only face competition from Maryland in terms of nearby gaming establishments. Therefore, The Rose has the potential to retain a portion of gamblers within Virginia.
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