Colonial Downs intends to introduce “The Rose,” an expanded version of its Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums, to the town of Dumfries in northern Virginia.
During the Dumfries City Council meeting on Tuesday, Colonial Downs officials will unveil their plans for the historical horse racing (HHR) resort.
In 2022 and 2025, the initial fully operational casinos in Virginia will commence their operations after being legalized recently. Nevertheless, Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums have a unique approach. Essentially, they function as slot parlors but without the typical slot machines, at least not the conventional ones.
However, “The Rose” will stand out from the majority of gambling establishments, including other HHR facilities.
Ultimately, the $389 million facility would be constructed by Colonial Downs atop a landfill.
The Rose takes Rosie’s to next level
The extensive agenda for Tuesday’s Dumfries City Council meeting includes comprehensive information about the project.
The Potomac Landfill, located conveniently off I-95, is the chosen site for an upcoming resort. Its selection comes as a direct response to the residents’ enduring disdain for the unsightly landfill. Through their effective lobbying efforts, the closure of the landfill, primarily utilized for construction waste, has been scheduled for 2036.
If The Rose is given approval, a groundbreaking ceremony will occur in August, expediting the entire process. Consequently, the resort is projected to be operational by January 2025.
Under the recent Virginia casino legislation, Humfries has been granted permission to expand its existing Rosie’s location, which is currently operated by Colonial Downs and located approximately two miles away from the landfill.
Since its establishment a month ago, the HHR parlor and on-site racebook in Dumfries have attracted 21,000 customers and contributed to the creation of 100 job opportunities. Nevertheless, if The Rose were to open, the existing Rosie’s location would transition into a workforce development center for the expanded resort facility.
In addition to New Kent, Vinton, Richmond, and Hampton, Rosie’s establishments can also be found in various locations. However, the upcoming resort would surpass the scale of these existing Rosie’s locations. The Rose would offer a range of impressive features, including:
- There is a total of 50,000 square feet of gaming area.
- There is a total of 7,000 square feet available for meetings and events.
- 200 hotel rooms
- 1,500-capacity theater
- There are a total of eight bars and restaurants available, one of which is a sports bar with a seating capacity of 250.
In addition to being home to The Rose, the landfill site in Dumfries would also feature a 79-acre park comprising of an amphitheater, hiking trails, sports fields, and various green spaces. This transformation would not only establish The Rose as a prominent venue but also establish the landfill site as a significant outdoor area in Dumfries.
The Rose’s impact on Dumfries jobs and tax revenue
Colonial Downs highlighted the positive economic effects of the project in its presentation materials.
The local workforce and economy would experience a significant boost, resulting in an annual tax revenue of $48 million. This includes:
- $30.5 million for Virginia
- $10.9 million for Dumfries
- Prince William County received a funding of $6.7 million.
Officials have stated that The Rose would additionally generate:
- 640 jobs
- The minimum wage of $15/hour is assured.
- The mean income is $47,000.
Additionally, it is stated that there will be numerous prospects for advancement, including 96 professional and management positions with an average annual salary of $70,000, along with comprehensive benefits.
Equally significant is The Rose’s potential to divert customers away from the nearby MGM National Harbor and five other Maryland casinos.
Competition for MGM National Harbor
Located in Oxon Hill, Maryland is the impressive MGM National Harbor, a lavish establishment worth $1.4 billion.
Many residents of North Virginia and Washington, DC can easily reach the MGM Resorts International property with just a short drive across the Potomac River.
According to Dr. Terry Clower, the Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University, an independent economic impact study of The Rose was conducted.
“The resort aims to offer top-notch amenities and entertainment choices to patrons from Northern Virginia, enabling Virginia to reclaim a significant portion of the entertainment expenditure that presently flows towards gaming venues in Maryland.”
Furthermore, the cities of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth are set to open casinos in the near future. The nearest casino to The Rose would likely be located in Richmond. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Richmond is the capital of Virginia, situated 80 miles away from Dumfries, and the project still requires formal approval from Richmond voters.
In contrast to a conventional casino featuring table games, slot machines, poker, keno, and various other attractions, The Rose would present a unique option for Northern Virginians in their vicinity. This super-sized HHR facility would offer a convenient alternative for local residents.
However, despite the initial discussion regarding The Rose at Tuesday’s city council meeting, a formal vote is not anticipated until late spring or early summer.
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