Churchill Downs Incorporated Advances Relocation Plans for Expanded HRM Venue in Henry County

Churchill Downs Incorporated has received local zoning approval to move its historical racing machine operations to a larger site near Martinsville Speedway in Henry County, Virginia, and the company intends to increase the number of machines from the current 37 at Rosie’s Game Room in Collinsville to 150 at the new location. The relocated venue will also add simulcast racing feeds along with food and beverage service, while the existing Collinsville site will close once the transition occurs. Officials at CDI pointed to community backing and access to nearby population centers, including parts of North Carolina, as key factors in selecting the replacement property.

Details of the Zoning Approval and Site Selection

Local authorities in Henry County granted the necessary zoning changes that allow construction and operation of the larger facility, clearing the path for CDI to proceed with the relocation. The new property sits closer to Martinsville Speedway, a location that offers greater visibility and easier access for visitors traveling along major routes. Company statements indicate that the expanded footprint will support the full complement of 150 HRMs without the space constraints that limited the Collinsville operation, and the addition of simulcast areas plus dining options forms part of the approved plan.

Henry County planning documents describe the project as a replacement rather than an entirely new development, which helped streamline the review process. Observers note that the proximity to the speedway creates natural synergies with existing motorsports events, allowing the venue to draw from crowds already in the area on race weekends. No construction timeline has been released, and CDI has not disclosed the total investment or the exact opening schedule for the upgraded location.

Current Operations at Rosie’s Game Room

The present Collinsville site operates under the name Rosie’s Game Room and houses 37 historical racing machines that generate revenue through pari-mutuel wagering on previously run races. Those machines have served as the primary offering since the venue opened, with limited room for additional amenities or seating. CDI has maintained the location as part of its broader network of HRM venues across Virginia, yet space limitations prevented any meaningful increase in machine count at the current address.

Staff at the Collinsville facility will transition to the new site once it opens, according to company communications, ensuring continuity for employees familiar with the operation. The move eliminates the need for further modifications at the older building while allowing the company to consolidate resources at a single, purpose-built location designed for higher capacity.

Factors Driving the Expansion Decision

CDI cited sustained local support from Henry County residents and officials as a decisive element in pursuing the larger venue. The company also highlighted the strategic advantage of serving markets in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina from a single, more accessible point. Data from regional tourism reports show steady growth in visitor traffic along the Interstate 81 corridor, which passes near both Martinsville and the proposed site.

Industry analysts tracking pari-mutuel gaming in the mid-Atlantic region have documented rising demand for historical racing products in states where full casino gaming remains restricted. The increased machine count at the new Henry County location aligns with that pattern, positioning CDI to capture additional play volume without entering new regulatory jurisdictions. No competing bids or alternative sites were publicly discussed during the zoning process.

Regulatory Context for Historical Racing Machines in Virginia

Virginia law permits historical racing machines at designated locations under the oversight of the Virginia Racing Commission, which reviews machine specifications, payout percentages, and operational standards. Each approved venue must maintain separate accounting for pari-mutuel pools generated by the terminals. The expanded Henry County facility will operate under the same framework, with the higher machine total requiring updated reporting procedures once it opens.

State gaming revenue figures released earlier this year showed consistent year-over-year growth in HRM handle across existing Virginia locations, prompting several operators to explore larger footprints. CDI’s plan fits within that statewide trend, although the company has not linked the Henry County project to any broader capital expenditure schedule beyond the immediate relocation.

Next Steps and Outstanding Details

CDI has not announced a groundbreaking date, construction timeline, or projected opening window for the new venue. Company representatives have stated that design work and permitting will continue over the coming months, with further updates expected once those milestones are reached. Local economic development officials have expressed interest in the job creation potential of the larger operation, yet no specific employment projections have been released.

The Collinsville location will remain open until the Martinsville-area facility begins operations, at which point all HRM activity will shift to the new site. Customers seeking the expanded amenities will need to travel to the Speedway-adjacent property once the transition is complete.

Conclusion

The relocation and expansion of Churchill Downs Incorporated’s Henry County HRM venue represents a measured response to space constraints at the existing Collinsville site and growing regional demand. With zoning approval secured and a larger property identified near Martinsville Speedway, the company now holds the regulatory clearance needed to increase its machine count to 150 while adding simulcast and food service elements. Observers will continue to monitor subsequent announcements regarding construction schedules and investment amounts as the project moves forward.