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Read Full BioVirginia will see its fifth casino open this week, with Live Casino Virginia set to open in Petersburg on January 22. The temporary venue operated by The Cordish Companies will feature 32 gaming tables and 926 slot machines.
The opening will give the city a financial boost, as Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming, confirmed, “When we open the temporary casino, it will trigger our first payment of $15 million.”
While the current facility is temporary, construction continues on a permanent complex that will include a hotel and restaurants, totaling nearly 450,000 square feet. The permanent facility is expected to take two years to complete.
Over the first 10 years, the casino expects to contribute $240 million to Petersburg. Norton says he is hopeful the public will be receptive to the new venue, stating, “I think our location is unmatched in the state and in many ways, across the Eastern Region.”
Dealers Ready to Welcome Players
Live Casino Virginia will create 500 new jobs, including 180 dealers at the venue. One of the dealers, Christie Brown-Johnson, is enthusiastic about the launch. She is urging residents to visit the venue, telling local news network CBS 6, “Come on in here and help us, help the City of Petersburg.”
Fellow staff member Cheryl Brown emphasized the range of entertainment on offer, stating, “We have an antique place. We have a tea room. We have a vineyard. We have a wine shop. We have a pizza and beer. We have books. We have gifts.”
The facility includes a high-roller room with progressive rewards ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 and higher. The casino is also partnering with 15 local businesses to promote the venue through a series of competitions.
Norfolk Waterfront Casino Coming, but Opposition Remains in Fairfax
Virginia also approved plans for a Norfolk waterfront casino last year. Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe similarly opened a temporary venue in November last year, which features 132 slot machines.
The full $750 million HeadWaters Resort & Casino development is scheduled to open next year, consisting of 1,500 machines, 50 table games, and a 200-room hotel.
Meanwhile, plans to open a sixth venue in Fairfax continue to attract public opposition. Republican Cassandra Aucoin came out against the Tysons casino proposal, citing concerns over social and economic costs.
Developer Comstock Companies said it believes a casino in Tysons could bolster the local economy, but the No Fairfax Casino Coalition (NFCC) is not swayed by that argument. Like Aucoin, the group said the economic and social harm would be too great.
“Northern Virginia, and Tysons in particular, would not benefit from a casino,” Lynne Mulston, head of the NFCC, said. “It would be bad for the county — economically, socially, and fiscally.”
Live Casino Virginia is targeting both casual visitors and high-roller gamblers.
“So we’ve got Griffin Lounge Pastries, amazing, we’re super impressed. And we’ve got Saucy’s BBQ,” said Joe Shirley, a chef in the casino’s restaurant.
