Henrico County has filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Racing Commission, arguing that the commission overstepped its authority by approving a license for the Roseshire Gaming Parlor, which opened in September with 175 historical horse racing machines. The county contends that the commission wrongly relied on a 1992 referendum permitting pari-mutuel wagering, which did not account for these newer machines legalized only in 2018. Henrico also accuses Churchill Downs, the parent company, of breaking prior promises not to open a gaming facility without local approval and circumventing a new ordinance requiring public input.

Local officials and residents express strong opposition, citing concerns about the gaming parlor’s impact on nearby neighborhoods and advocating for a public referendum to decide on such venues. Despite these objections, the Virginia Racing Commission unanimously approved the license, and Roseshire has already seen substantial wagering activity. County leaders criticize Churchill Downs for ignoring community voices and prioritize mixed-use redevelopment over gaming establishments in the area.