Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) plans to relocate its historical racing machine (HRM) venue in Henry County, Virginia, after securing local approval for a larger replacement property near Martinsville Speedway.
The Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a Special Use Permit for the project, which will be located north of the U.S. Route 58 Bypass and east of Old Greensboro Road.
The new venue is expected to feature 150 historical racing machines, compared with 37 currently operating at Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville. It will also include simulcast racing and food and beverage offerings.
CDI is still finalizing the design and development plans. The company has not provided an opening date or construction schedule in the supplied material.
“We appreciate the support of Henry County as we continue to build upon our investment in the Commonwealth with a larger, purpose-built entertainment venue,” said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of CDI, in a press release. “With convenient access to Martinsville Speedway and growing markets across the North Carolina border, this new venue will be well positioned to attract visitors, create jobs, and generate additional economic activity for the region.”
New Property Will Expand the Existing Operation
The planned project will substantially increase CDI’s gaming capacity in Henry County.
The move from 37 to 150 HRMs will give the replacement property more than four times the machine count of the current Rosie’s Game Room.
Its location near Martinsville Speedway also places the venue close to a major regional attraction and within reach of customers travelling from North Carolina.
Historical racing machines use previously run horse races as the basis for wagers presented through electronic gaming interfaces.
CDI has developed HRM operations across several markets, including Virginia and Kentucky, and the Henry County plan continues that strategy through an expansion of an existing site.
Virginia HRM Revenue Slipped in Q3
The relocation announcement comes alongside mixed third-quarter results from Churchill Downs’ HRM business.
Company revenue increased by $10 million during the quarter, supported by an $11 million rise from Kentucky HRM venues and a $1 million increase from Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Those gains were partly offset by a $1 million decline from Virginia HRM properties and a further $1 million decrease from New Hampshire.
Within Virginia, Central Virginia venues recorded a $6 million net decrease, primarily because of increased competition.
Northern Virginia properties generated a $4 million net increase, while Western Virginia added $1 million.
Kentucky delivered stronger growth. Southwestern Kentucky venues contributed a $7 million increase, with Northern Kentucky adding $2 million. Western Kentucky and Louisville each contributed another $1 million.
The New Hampshire decline reflected the closure of CDI’s temporary Casino Salem venue while the company develops the new Rockingham Grand Casino.
Project Moves Into Planning Stage
The Henry County venue will replace Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville once development is complete.
CDI’s proposal adds more gaming capacity while broadening the property with simulcast racing and hospitality services.
The company has not disclosed the project’s final investment cost or indicated when the existing Rosie’s location will close.
For now, Churchill Downs is moving ahead with design and planning following the zoning approval, while the project adds another expansion to its historical racing portfolio.