HAMPTON, Va. — Rosie's Gaming Emporium in Hampton is seeking to keep the off-track betting (OTB) facility open 24/7, citing the need to compete with local casinos that are open round-the-clock.
Colonial Downs Group, LLC applied for a change in Rosie's permit that would allow it to operate at all hours. The Hampton location is currently open from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day.
"The Hampton OTB Facility will be open 24/7, but alcohol will only be sold during hours compliant with applicable Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Act laws and regulations," the application reads.
In the application, leaders claim the recent opening of Rivers Casino Portsmouth along with the future Norfolk's Headwaters Casino has Rosie's at a "significant competitive disadvantage" as both casinos stay open all day.
In a presentation, leaders said Rosie's security has met audit requirements, noting that in 2023 there was a decline in police calls between midnight and 4 a.m. Further, leaders argue that the Hampton location is crucial in revitalizing horse racing in Virginia.
"The Hampton OTB facility is tied to the reopening of Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia, in a statewide effort to return horse racing to the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the Hampton OTB facility being a priority location," the group said in the application.
The Rosie's OTB locations in Richmond and Dumfries have also begun the process to extend their hours of operations, Colonial Downs Group, LLC said.
