Pictures/Recap Of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium Opening In Vinton May 9th

Colonial Downs held a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting at their newest Rosie’s Gaming Emporium site — in Vinton, just minutes from downtown Roanoke — on May 9th.

The Rosie’s at Vinton has 150 HHR terminals, mixed between smoking and non-smoking areas and a higher limits room.

The Vinton Rosie’s is located at the same site as the former Colonial Downs Off Track Betting Center — off Route 24 west behind McDonalds at 1135 Vinyard Road. Live simulcast wagering will also be offered seven days and evenings per week.

The Vinton simulcast area has a nice TV presentation, 7 self serve betting terminals and manned teller stations as well.

A ribbon cutting kicked off festivities May 9th before crowds swarmed in to get their Players Cards and $10 “free play” vouchers.

Among dignitaries to cut the ribbon were VEA President Debbie Easter (far left), VRC Executive Director David Lermond (2nd), New Kent County Supervisor Patricia Paige (4th) and Colonial Downs GM John Marshall (far right).

This Rosie’s location will be open daily at 8 AM and will close at 2 AM Sunday thru Thursday and at 4 AM Friday and Saturday.

Rosie’s Gaming in Vinton has plenty of free parking both in front and in back of the complex.

A crowd began lining up in the parking lot to try to be first in May 9th when doors opened at 11 AM. A third Rosie’s site will open in Richmond in late June followed by one in Hampton this fall.

A crowd lined up outside the front doors to see the ribbon cutting, snag a free t-shirt and begin playing Historical Horse Racing machines.

At its final “preview” day on Wednesday May 8th, one lucky attendee hit an $18,000 jackpot at Rosie’s in Vinton.

Rosie’s big jackpot winners are posted on a TV screen near the entrance.

Revenues generated thru HHR machines will enable the return of live thoroughbred horse racing to Virginia. A 15-day season will run this summer from August 8th thru September 7th at purse levels of $500,000 per day.

The Rosie’s theme is carried out in every aspect of the Gaming Emporiums.

The Rosie’s Vinton site is part of a $300 million statewide investment the Colonial Downs Group is making. 160 employees have already been hired at Vinton with an average salary above $40,000.