Posted by Colonial Downs + Rosie's Gaming on Monday, July 8, 2019

Patrons are seen betting on "historical" horse races on electronic machines at the Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent, Virginia.

Casino Stalker | Compacts | Legislation

Virginia enters new era with gaming devices resembling slot machines

Monday, July 8, 2019

Non-Indian facilities in Virginia are now offering electronic gaming devices that resemble slot machines.

The new era began with the debut of the first Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in April. Located at the Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent, the 600 devices allow patrons to bet on past horse races.

The devices, commonly known as "historical horse racing machines," are now being offered at two additional Rosie’s locations. The newest one opened up in Richmond, the state capital, on July 1.

"This is going to make a lot of money for Richmond,” one patron, who showed up at 8:30am in order to be one of the first to gamble on the 600 machines inside, told The Bristol Herald-Courier.

We're NOW OPEN at Rosie's in Richmond! Visit us to #FindYourLuck on any one of our 700 HHR machines. 🎰 pic.twitter.com/QoTB14H3nn
— Colonial Downs (@ColonialDowns) July 7, 2019

Because of their look and feel, the historical horse racing devices closely resemble slot machines. In Idaho, that was a problem for tribes, because their Class III gaming compacts guaranteed them exclusivity for such games. Lawmakers ended up banning the devices.

But in Virginia, it hasn't been much of an issue so far. Though the state is home to seven federally recognized tribes, six of them are barred from engaging in gaming on their lands by an act of Congress.

The Pamunkey Tribe is not bound by the same restriction after completing the federal acknowledgment process at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Leaders have announced plans to open a casino, possibly near Richmond, or near Norfolk, a city further south.

But going through the land-into-trust process, along with negotiating a possible Class III gaming compact, could take several more years. So the tribe is interested in opening a casino under state law, though the Virginia Legislature must take further action before that option becomes a reality.