Last week, Richmonders welcomed the grand opening of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in the refurbished Kmart building on Midlothian Turnpike, across from Paper Moon. It’s stocked with what look and feel like electronic slot machines. It’s got a full service restaurant, adult beverages, and will be open some nights as late as 4 a.m.

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Some haters are thinking it’s in a bad location, just because there have been numerous homicides in that stretch of Midlothian Turnpike. Sure, there was a murder nearby at Chippenham Square Shopping Center on May 12th, less than a mile away. Yes, two people were shot nearby in March and a man died from a shooting nearby last October, but I’m here to tell you none of that matters.

All I’m saying is that there is no way anything bad will happen if you mix alcohol, gambling, and a strip-club in south Richmond, it just ain’t going to happen. I’ve witnessed firsthand the clientele at Rosie’s and let me tell you, they ain’t packin’ anything except oxygen tanks, disposable diapers, and their late spouse’s life insurance money.

Sure, I suppose someone could win big and then be followed to their car at 3 o’clock in the morning by someone looking to rob them, but the place is also crawling with security guards who I’m certain get paid so well they’d gladly step in front of a bullet for you. If someone isn’t happy with the simple pleasure one feels losing tons of money sitting at gaming machines, they can easily venture across the street to the Paper Moon and at least get some satisfaction.

I think this is going to be a great thing for Richmond. Hell, maybe they’ll build a 24-hour shooting range right next door for folks who like to “pop one off” in another way to celebrate their winnings.

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