Another source of entertainment may be on its way to Dumfries.
Colonial Downs Group, a company that operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, is considering opening a site in the town.
Paperwork that begins the process of a voter referendum was turned into the Prince William County Clerk of Court on Thursday, according to a release from Colonial Downs Group.
The referendum would allow pari-mutuel wagering at a gaming facility. It’s required in communities that haven’t already OK’d wagering and must be approved before a facility can open.
Five percent of voters must sign the referendum before it can be put on the ballot. Colonial Downs Group plans to set up a signature drive once its request receives the court’s approval.
“Dumfries is a vibrant and emerging community looking for the new kind of entertainment that Rosie’s delivers,” Colonial Downs Group Chief Operating Officer Aaron Gomes said in a release. “We want to be located in Dumfries, and we’re excited to go out and share with voters what we’re about and what we do and let them decide if they’d like to be home to one of our facilities.”
The gaming facility has gained the favor of State Senator Scott Surovell.
Surovell explained that it would have an impact on the town’s economy.
“Out of state gaming facilities have been funding their schools with Northern Virginians’ money for years and it’s about time we took steps to keep those dollars here,” Surovell said in a release.
The financial benefits have been noticed by others.
“Since we announced the re-opening of Colonial Downs in New Kent County and the revitalization of thoroughbred horse racing in Virginia, a number of communities have expressed interest in opening a Rosie’s to create jobs and tax revenue for their residents,” Gomes said.
