This year, a judge has mandated that a referendum for a casino in southside Richmond should be reinstated on the ballot.
The order paves the way for Richmond voters to once again determine whether they desire a casino in the capital city of Virginia.
The recent progress marks the newest milestone in an ongoing attempt spanning several years to introduce casino gambling to Richmond.
Nevertheless, the outcome of the second southside Richmond casino referendum is uncertain at this point. The opposition from influential individuals in nearby Petersburg could potentially sway the decision.
Plenty of support for southside Richmond casino
On Monday, Judge W. Reilly Marchant of the Richmond Circuit Court approved the city’s plea for another Richmond casino referendum.
Lawmakers in Virginia designated Richmond as one of the five cities for a casino referendum. In 2020, the other four cities (Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth) overwhelmingly passed their respective referendums. Currently, these four future casinos in Virginia are in the initial stages of construction.
Nevertheless, despite the narrow defeat of the proposed $562.5 million ONE Casino + Resort in 2021, Richmond’s officials remained hopeful and undeterred, despite potential reasons such as the casino’s location in south Richmond.
In January, the pursuit of a second referendum was approved by the Richmond City Council. Councilwoman Reva Trammel, representing the Eighth District, has been instrumental in advocating for this project.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a long-time supporter of the project’s potential advantages, expressed:
The casino project in South Richmond presents a unique chance for the city to tackle equity and community wealth gaps. As Richmond remains committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, this economic development opportunity can help bridge the gap for numerous Richmonders who are facing hardships in these uncertain and unparalleled times.
Urban One, a media conglomerate headquartered in Maryland, has emerged as the successful bidder for the project, offering Richmond an initial payment of $25 million. Experts estimate that ONE Casino + Resort has the potential to generate an annual tax revenue of $30 million for the city. Additionally, this development is expected to create 1,500 permanent employment opportunities and numerous temporary construction jobs.
Possible Petersburg casino potentially in play
On Election Day, November 8, the following question may appear on Richmond ballots as per the judge’s order.
Is the allowance of casino gaming at a casino gaming establishment in the City of Richmond, Virginia, specifically at 2001 Walmsley Boulevard and 4700 Trenton Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23234, subject to approval by the Virginia Lottery Board?
Nevertheless, the Richmond casino referendum do-over is not guaranteed. This is because Petersburg officials are actively seeking a casino and simultaneously attempting to prevent Richmond from hosting a second referendum on the matter.
Petersburg, a city with a population of 31,000, faced opposition from the Virginia Senate Finance Committee in February when they were denied the opportunity to host a referendum. Interestingly, the Senate’s proposed state budget contains a clause that would prevent the Richmond casino from being included in the ballot. This clause mandates a thorough assessment by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to assess the feasibility of a casino in Petersburg before allowing Richmond residents to vote on the matter.
According to Richmond.com, State Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, who has been a strong advocate for a casino in Petersburg, stated that if the budget is approved, a moratorium would override the judge’s order. However, the General Assembly has not yet come to a consensus on the latest budget.
“He declared that the budget holds the status of a law, surpassing any city ordinance or court order.”
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