In another move designed to keep the rebirth of Virginia horse racing moving forward, Colonial Downs will take over ownership and management of the four existing Virginia Bets Off Track Betting (OTB) Centers beginning April 1st.
Those sites will be rebranded as VA Horseplay OTBs and will continue to offer simulcast wagering from thoroughbred and harness tracks around the country daily from 11 AM – 11 PM. The same friendly employees that have worked at the sites will all stay on and continue to serve in these exciting times.
The Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) opened the four OTBs between the time when Colonial Downs initially closed in November, 2014 and the recent revival led by the Colonial Downs Group. The first OTB opened in November, 2016 at Breakers Sports Grille in Henrico. That was soon followed by OTBs at Ponies & Pints (Richmond) two months later, at Buckets Bar & Grill (Chesapeake) in November, 2017 and at The Windmill Off Track Betting Sports Grill (Collinsville) in March last year. Combined OTB handle between the four exceeded $32 million in 2018.
Operating hours will remain unchanged with one exception. The Windmill OTB, located just outside of Martinsville, will close on Mondays and Tuesdays starting in April. The site be open Wednesday thru Sunday. The other three locations will be open seven days and evenings per week.
Colonial Downs will open its first Rosie’s Gaming Emporium at the New Kent track next month with 600 historical horse racing machines and live simulcast horse race wagering. Live thoroughbred racing will return August 8th and continue thru September 7th. The 17th running of the Virginia Derby will be held August 31st. Additional Rosie’s locations will open in Vinton, Richmond and Hampton this year. A fifth Rosie’s location site was just announced in Chesapeake last week. All will feature HHR terminals, simulcast betting, a restaurant and lounge.
