Petersburg, Virginia Casino Proposal Advances to November Ballot

Petersburg, VA — In a decisive move, the future of casino gaming in Petersburg will be determined by voters this November, following recent approvals by the Virginia Lottery Board and the Petersburg Circuit Court. On Monday, July 15, Petersburg Circuit Court Judge Dennis Martin sanctioned a referendum, allowing residents to cast their votes on the proposed Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia.

The referendum, unanimously endorsed by the city council, was passed in a swift 7-0 vote. The Progress-Index reported that Vice Mayor Darrin Hill, representing Ward 2 where the casino would be located, enthusiastically proposed the measure. Councilor Arnold Westbrook Jr. from Ward 7 seconded the motion, with the entire council reaching a decision in just two and a half minutes.

Following the city council's approval, the proposal quickly moved to the circuit court, which confirmed the referendum within two hours. The petition for the referendum order, as cited by The Progress-Index, stated:

It is, therefore, ADJUDGED, ORDERED, AND DECREED that, pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 24.2-682 and 24.2-684, a referendum on the question of whether casino gaming shall be ‘permitted within the City of Petersburg shall be held during the City’s general election on November 5, 2024.

Key Things to Consider

• Petersburg residents will vote in November on whether to permit casino gaming in the city.
• The referendum received unanimous approval from the city council with a 7-0 vote.
• Should the referendum pass, a temporary casino is planned to open by the end of 2025, eventually becoming part of a larger entertainment complex.

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The referendum will present voters with a straightforward yes-or-no question regarding the establishment of a casino at a 92.5-acre development site off Interstate 95 at Wagner Road along Brassfield Parkway. The project will only advance if it receives a majority “yes” vote.

Petersburg is now considered as a replacement for Richmond, which rejected casino proposals twice, leading the state legislature to remove it from the list of approved sites. In contrast, voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth have all approved casino projects, which are currently in progress.

The proposed $597 million entertainment complex in southern Petersburg is spearheaded by The Cordish Companies, Maryland-based casino developers, in partnership with Virginia's Bruce Smith Enterprise. The development plan includes a casino, hotel, and other entertainment facilities on the designated site near Wagner Road.

If the referendum is successful, a temporary casino will be constructed and operational by the end of 2025, serving as a precursor to the permanent complex. The developers envision an extensive long-term expansion, projecting an additional $803 million investment over the next 15 years. This expansion would introduce residential units, office spaces, another hotel, and retail stores, significantly enhancing the region's economic landscape.

As November approaches, Petersburg voters will have the pivotal opportunity to shape the city's future by deciding on the proposed casino project.