Hundreds of people have visited Rosie’s Emporium in Hampton, Virginia since it opened with 700 historic horseracing machines on October 29. Mark Hubbard, spokesman for owners Colonial Downs Group, said, “We have seen heavy traffic. We are new and different, and people are checking us out.”
As a result, the Hampton city council wants to be included among the sites approved by the state legislature to offer casino gambling. A measure passed earlier this year would limit casino gambling to five sites: Richmond, Danville, Bristol, Norfolk and Portsmouth. The request is included in Hampton’s 2020 legislative package, recently approved by the city council
The legislation, sponsored by state Senator Louis Lucas of Portsmouth, would require the host cities to pass a referendum. However, prior to any referendum being held, a study approved by Governor Ralph Northam, reviewing casino gaming laws and economic impact in other states, will be completed later this month. Then the measure must be reapproved—hopefully amended to include Hampton as a casino host city.
Some council members said Hampton should be added the legislation even if it’s not certain citizens want a casino. “We need to get our hat in the ring, so we are ready to say yes or no to it,” said Councilman Billy Hobbs.
Mayor Donnie Tuck said, “From my perspective there should be one of these on this side of the water. Hampton is the center of the region. We can use some of the profit for regional economic development projects, something we’d identify,” he said.
