HENRICO COUNTY, Va. β The Virginia Racing Commission voted to grant a license to Roseshire, a new gaming and entertainment venue in Henrico County.
Roseshire Gaming Parlor is now expected to open the Staples Mill Shopping Center, near the corner of Staples Mill and Glenside Drive, on Sept. 29.
The Churchill Downs-owned site will feature 175 historic horse racing machines and simulcast wagering.
Some Henrico County leaders had encouraged the public to show up to Monday vote to oppose the facility.
County lawmakers have opposed this particular site after Churchill Downs filed its plans days before Henrico passed an ordinance that would require a public hearing for facilities like Roseshire.
By filing when they did, Churchill Downs was allowed to open under a 1992 referendum where county voters approved off-track betting.
Lawmakers had tried to force a referendum through the state's budget process, but it was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Youngkin said he vetoed it because it set a bad precedent and because he learned county leaders wouldn't have forced a referendum if the company built at another site in the county.
State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg (D-Henrico) and Henrico Supervisor Dan Schmitt sent an email to constituents encouraging the turnout.
"I think if you're arguing that citizens shouldn't have a say over gambling going in to their community, I think you're morally wrong, and I think you're legally wrong," VanValkenburg said before the vote.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Roseshire said the company has followed all applicable laws throughout the development process.
"As the County itself has repeatedly confirmed, Roseshire has followed every applicable law, regulation, and rule throughout the development process," the spokesperson said.
Churchill Downs Incorporated also owns Colonial Downs Racetrack, Rosieβs Gaming Emporiums, and The Rose Gaming Resort.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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