As the General Assembly prepares to debate multiple proposals to raise Virginia’s minimum wage, one gambling company is already taking matters into their own hands.
The Colonial Downs Group announced in a press release this week that it will raise employees' wages to a minimum of 15 dollars an hour starting in the New Year. The changes will apply to employees at the “Rosie’s” historical horse racing locations in Richmond, Hampton and New Kent County as well as any future facilities the company may open.
Colonial Downs officials also say tipped workers will be paid at least nine dollars an hour. That’s more than four times the state minimum.
This comes as the General Assembly is set to debate three pieces of legislation that would raise the minimum wage, over time, to 15 dollars an hour. Lawmakers will also consider whether or not to legalize casinos in Virginia when they return to Richmond in January.
