Since Richmond officials officially selected One Casino + Resort as their preferred casino project, residents have been consistently asking one question: When is the potential opening date for the new Richmond casino?
Currently, we have a date scheduled, although it is subject to change.
Urban One, a Maryland-based company partnered with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment/Colonial Downs, emerged victorious among five other contenders to secure the role of Richmond casino operator. This decision was made by the Resort Casino Evaluation Panel of Richmond during the previous week.
Should Richmond voters give their approval to the project in November, One Casino + Resort is anticipated to commence operations precisely at the conclusion of 2025.
Will Richmond casino open before 2025?
The casino proposal was formally presented to the Richmond City Council by Mayor Levar Stoney on Monday.
The public had the opportunity to express their opinion on the proposed casino and resort, which is worth $600 million, on Tuesday. In order for the project to move forward, Richmond voters will need to give their approval through a casino referendum on November 2nd, which coincides with Election Day. However, prior to making a decision on the ballot measure, certain residents sought additional information about the development, as it is planned to be situated in the popular Scott’s Addition neighborhood in southern Richmond.
During Tuesday’s inaugural public meeting, a variety of questions were addressed, encompassing topics such as employment prospects, amenities offered by the resort, and its impact on the community. However, one significant query that was answered pertained to the anticipated opening date for One Casino + Resort.
The opening date of the casino is being targeted for Dec. 31, 2025, as stated by Leonard Sledge, the director of the Richmond Department of Economic Development.
The Richmond City Council needs to approve the inclusion of the casino issue on the November ballot before the planned opening in 2025. Sledge mentioned that the council could reach a decision on this matter during its meeting on June 14. Meanwhile, discussions related to the casino continue within the city.
Furthermore, various cities in Virginia that house casinos have deliberated the idea of establishing interim gambling establishments that could operate prior to the completion of the comprehensive resorts. Nevertheless, Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins has confirmed their decision to abstain from pursuing the opening of any such facility.
When other Virginia casinos open
If Richmond voters approve One Casino + Resort, they will be joining the ranks of pro-casino voters in four other cities in Virginia.
During the 2020 election cycle, casino projects were approved by voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.
When can we expect the opening of casinos in Virginia?
Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall was recently interviewed by 8News. In addition to overseeing casino regulation, he is also responsible for managing the emerging VA sports betting market.
Hall stated that before any casino project can proceed, it is essential to acquire a license, which involves a thorough and time-consuming process. However, if everything goes smoothly, casinos are expected to commence operations no earlier than the upcoming “spring or summer of next year,” as mentioned by Hall.
Below is the complete schedule of anticipated opening dates for casinos in Virginia:
| City | Resort | Partner | Tentative opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol | Hard Rock Casino and Resort Bristol | Hard Rock International | End of 2021 (temporary facility) or 2022 |
| Danville | Caesars Casino Resort Danville | Caesars Entertainment | End of 2025 |
| Norfolk | HeadWaters Resort & Casino | Pamunkey Indian Tribe | 2023 |
| Portsmouth | Rivers Portsmouth Casino Resort | Rush Street Gaming | Fall 2022 |
| Richmond | One Casino + Resort | Urban One/Peninsula Pacific Entertainment | October 2025 |
Richmond casino vs. Norfolk casino
Despite the fact that VA casinos will be spread out across the commonwealth, two of them will be situated in remarkably close proximity to each other.
Should it receive approval, the Richmond casino will be conveniently situated a mere seven miles away from the Norfolk casino, across the Elizabeth River. The casino that manages to open first in the highly profitable Hampton Roads area could potentially gain a significant edge over its competition.
In 2020, the Rivers Portsmouth Casino Resort project gained approval from voters. Currently, the casino is scheduled to open its doors in 2022.
One Casino + Resort officials are aware that they are currently a year behind their competition, making the ambitious goal of opening in 2025. While it would be satisfying to surpass the Norfolk casino in terms of opening first, Richmond remains focused on the broader perspective.
According to Stoney, the mayor of Richmond,
We are presented with a chance to further the city’s revival and promote fair economic expansion that will create prospects for financial advancement, benefiting both the residents of Richmond and generating additional revenue for the commercial general fund.
Related Articles
