Virginia could potentially become home to the sole operating Black-owned casino in the United States, thanks to the vision of one individual.
On Monday, the CEO of Urban One media and content company, Alfred Liggins, officially unveiled his plans, as announced by officials. Urban One, based in Washington, will proceed with the proposed initiatives.
Urban One has scheduled a press conference in Richmond on Tuesday to share project specifics, as per the announcement.
At the upcoming media event, Liggins will announce the introduction of a $517 million entertainment, dining, and gaming destination in the Virginia capital. Spanning an impressive 300,000 square feet, the resort will be accompanied by a well-known partner (details to follow).
In the upcoming months, the residents of Richmond will have the opportunity to cast their votes on whether to approve a casino-resort project within their city. It is worth noting that last year, casino referenda were successfully passed in four other cities in Virginia, namely Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Richmond, with its population of 230,000, now joins the list of cities considering this venture.
Liggins’ company aims to position itself at the heart of Richmond, should it emerge as the fifth casino city in Virginia.
Urban One and its plans for a Richmond casino
The media event scheduled for Tuesday will be held at a possible future location for the project in South Richmond. The piece of land, currently owned by Altria Group Inc. (the parent company of Philip Morris USA), is situated at the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Commerce Road, close to I-95.
Urban One did not mention its possible partner in Monday’s media alert, but local media outlets revealed that it is Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, the owner of Colonial Downs Group. According to Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, this information was recently reported.
At present, Colonial Downs runs historical horse racing (HHR) parlors in five cities within Virginia, one of which is Richmond.
Martz’s report reveals that Liggins’ company is poised to become the primary investor in the 100-acre project. Inspired by the achievements of Don Barden, a renowned Black entrepreneur and pioneer in the casino industry, Liggins aims to emulate his success. Don Barden, who sadly passed away in 20211, holds the distinction of being the first Black casino owner in Las Vegas.
As Liggins told Richmond.com:
Urban One is thrilled to present a comprehensive proposal to the City of Richmond for the establishment of an extraordinary gaming, dining, and live music hub. This remarkable venture aims to draw tourists from all corners of the nation and, if chosen, become the sole Black-owned casino in the United States with a diverse group of investors. With deep roots in the Richmond community since 1999, our vision is to infuse the project with local charm and guarantee that our facility uplifts the entire Richmond community.
Urban One is the proud owner of four radio stations in Richmond and over 50 stations nationwide. Renowned as the leading distributor of urban content in the nation, Urban One’s presence in the industry is unparalleled.
HHR vs. casinos: What’s the difference?
Colonial Downs had previously indicated their desire to operate the potential Richmond casino.
The report indicates that due to the Urban One partnership, Colonial Downs has decided to abandon its plans of constructing and managing its own licensed casino.
The HHR parlors at Colonial Downs are well-liked, although their options are somewhat restricted. In an attempt to revive Virginia’s struggling horse-racing sector, the Virginia General Assembly legalized HHR (also known as “instant racing”) in 2018. However, due to the established regulations, Rosie’s is only permitted to provide HHR machines similar to slots and an on-site racebook.
A conventional Richmond casino would offer significant distinctions compared to the Rosie’s locations, particularly by providing a wider range of gaming choices for gamblers in Richmond to enjoy.
The proposed Urban One-Colonial Downs casino would encompass:
- The gaming area spans over 90,000 square feet and encompasses a wide variety of table games as well as traditional slot machines.
- 150-room hotel
- The venue can accommodate a maximum of 200 music concerts per year, providing ample entertainment space.
- There are numerous restaurants, bars, and lounges.
Similar to other resorts in Virginia, the Richmond casino is expected to feature various amenities, such as an on-site sportsbook, poker room, keno, and a range of other popular games.
What’s next for Urban One and Colonial Downs
The potential casino in the City of Richmond has a deadline of Monday (Feb. 22) for submitting Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P).
Urban One intends to submit its robust proposal for consideration; nevertheless, it will not be the sole contender.
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe, the first federally recognized tribe in the state, has revealed their intention to construct a $350 million resort in Richmond. They expressed their interest in establishing a casino in Virginia during the initial stages of the legislative and regulatory proceedings.
The $500 million Pamunkey Casino Resort Norfolk is already in progress, with the tribe making significant strides towards its completion. It is anticipated that the resort will be ready to welcome guests by 2025.
The Richmond casino project had three primary contenders: the Pamunkeys, Colonial Downs, and Urban One. However, a new development has emerged as Colonial Downs and Urban One join forces, posing a challenge for the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. Their aspiration to become the first owner of two casinos in Virginia now faces a hurdle.
The decision on the preferred casino operator in Richmond is expected to be made by officials during the summer. For more information, including a timeline and other relevant details, please visit RVA.gov.
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