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By Kenna McHugh
In the heart of Northern Virginia’s entertainment landscape, The Rose Gaming Resort shines as a modern emblem of luxury, excitement, and innovation. The entertainment destination also increases the local economy by creating jobs, contributing to the community, and generating revenue for Dumfries and Prince William County.
Robbi Sample, General Manager of The Rose Gaming Resort, urges locals and tourists to visit The Rose. “With Virginia’s largest jackpots, including a recent $1 million winner, you might just turn a daytrip or weekend stay into a life-changing moment!”
Not only is the resort a timeless allure of high-stakes gaming and historical horse racing, but the contemporary design also offers visitors more than just a place to play. “Whether a guest wants to try their luck on one of our exciting historical horse racing machines, place a wager on a live horse race in Virginia or around the country, grab a great meal, or have a luxurious weekend away, they will find excitement and
hospitality just a short drive from our nation’s capital,” highlights Sample.
The Rose is just off I-95 in Dumfries, as part of the region’s leisure hub. A former landfill and now a landmark, near the Quantico Center, Forest Park, and Tripoli Heights, visitors can find the resort on Colonial Street. Ideal for day-trippers, weekenders, or locals, 2,500 parking spaces are available, including covered and EV charging stations.
It’s an experience built around indulgence and community. From its elegant gaming floors to its world-class dining and live entertainment, The Rose has redefined what it means to spend a night out, drawing locals and travelers alike into its dazzling blend of chance, charm, and culture.
If preferred, visitors can take advantage of the high-limit options or VIP playing rooms. Some use the FastTrack Rewards, a seamless program with unlimited gaming, horse racing, and extra perks. With the FastTrack Rewards, new members receive $125 in free play.
Other notable features comprise eight bars and restaurants, including The Playbook Sports Bar and Grill, 1609 Steakhouse, and the Market Street Foodhall. Guests can enjoy the facilities for meetings and events, entertainment, and accommodation in over 100 hotel rooms.
Next to the resort is a seven-acre public park on the capped landfill. It’s expected to open in summer 2026, offering amenities such as a playground, dog park, and playing fields within the resort’s 62 acres of green space. The adjacent enhancement provides advanced recreational opportunities combined with economic development for residents.
According to Kevin Costello, Tourism Director for the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, “The Rose Gaming Resort supports over 500 local jobs and has contributed more than $460 million in capital investment, and in their first full year of business, 2025, they had over 670,000 locals and visitors through their doors.”
“Tourism has a specific perspective and is broadly defined as visitors who are venturing more than 50 miles from their home, which is notable when thinking about destination developments,” says Costello.
Virginia’s thoroughbred horse racing and equine industry experienced a resurgence thanks to The Rose. Its opening added sixteen days of live racing to Colonial Downs’ 2025 live racing season. This initiative has funded purses to attract world-class racing talent and supported jobs around the Commonwealth. Local legislators and leaders support The Rose, including Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood, Vice-Mayor Monaé Nickerson, and the Town Council.
Mayor Wood views the resort as “a central role in Dumfries’ long-term strategy to evolve from a pass-through community into a true regional destination anchored by high-value, sustainable economic drivers.”
“Notably, The Rose is currently the only gaming facility in Northern Virginia, which gives Dumfries a unique regional advantage in attracting visitors, events, and private investment without overreliance on residential growth,” explains Wood.
“Visit Prince William” is Prince William County’s tourism brand. This year, the county will team up with The Rose Gaming Resort and the entire town of Dumfries to work on the Tourism Master Plan. Attracting visitors and promoting tourism growth that benefits the community is part of the long-term plan. According
to Costello, it includes database insights and market trends to determine which attractions, events, and infrastructure make the most sense to build, expand, and promote.
There’s also an environmental and climate impact of equal importance. According to Wood, private investors contributed nearly $500 million to repurpose a former construction landfill. The landfill closure occurred approximately 10 years before the original 20-year host agreement, executed in 2014. Accelerating the site’s transformation from a liability into a productive, revenue-generating asset while significantly reducing long-term environmental risks.
The Rose commits to being a good neighbor and supporting its community with considerable investments, including more than $2 million to the construction of a new community center in the Town of Dumfries, as well as strong wage and local hiring commitments.
Ensuring guest safety and promoting responsible gaming are top priorities. The company upholds a responsible gaming policy for all patrons. Staff receive training on recognizing and assisting patrons with gaming issues. They strictly uphold age restrictions and maintain an exclusion list. The Rose encourages all guests to enjoy their experience responsibly and safely.
“In the years ahead, Phase II of The Rose will add additional hotel rooms, convention space, and entertainment options, which will make the Town of Dumfries and Prince William County an even more attractive destination for guests from near and far,” concludes Sample.
If gambling is starting to feel less like entertainment and more like pressure, secrecy, or loss of control, you
are not alone, and help is available. Problem gambling can affect anyone. It can impact finances, relationships, mental health, and work. Reaching out is a strong first step, not a sign of weakness.
Confidential support is available in Virginia: Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-532-3500
The helpline offers free, confidential assistance and can connect you with local treatment and counseling
resources. Website: vcpg.net
Kenna McHugh is a contributing writer for Prince William Living
