Churchill Downs' New HRM Venue: 150 Machines Coming to Henry County

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-01

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) just got the green light to move and expand its historical racing machine (HRM) venue in Henry County, Virginia. The Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a Special Use Permit for a new, larger property near Martinsville Speedway. This is a big deal for local gaming and the regional economy. ### What's Changing? The current Rosie's Gaming Emporium in Henry County has 37 machines. The new venue will have 150. That's a fourfold increase. The new spot is north of the U.S. Route 58 Bypass and east of Old Greensboro Road, just a stone's throw from the speedway. This prime location could attract more visitors, especially on race weekends. ### Why This Matters HRM terminals are essentially slot machines that use past horse races to determine outcomes. They're a growing part of Virginia's gaming scene. For CDI, this expansion means more revenue and a stronger foothold in the state. For Henry County, it means more jobs and tax dollars. The proximity to Martinsville Speedway is no coincidence—it's a strategic move to capture foot traffic from one of NASCAR's most famous tracks. > "This approval is a win-win for the county and for CDI," said a local official. "It brings jobs, tourism, and new entertainment options to the area." ### The Details The project still needs final approvals, but construction could start soon. CDI hasn't announced an opening date yet. The new facility will likely feature amenities like a restaurant and bar, similar to other Rosie's locations. The expanded gaming floor will offer more variety and a better experience for players. ### What's Next? CDI will now work on design and permitting. The county will monitor the project to ensure compliance with zoning rules. Residents can expect more updates in the coming months. For now, the old Rosie's remains open at its current location. ### Bottom Line Churchill Downs is betting big on Henry County. With 150 machines and a spot near the speedway, this expansion could transform the local gaming landscape. Keep an eye on this one—it's a sign of things to come for Virginia's gaming industry.