The outcome of Election Day will ultimately decide the future of ONE Casino + Resort, as supporters of a casino in Richmond are gathering momentum prior to the vote.
By November 2nd, the outcome of the casino referendum in Richmond, Virginia, will be determined by voters.
In 2020, four different cities showed strong support for Virginia casinos. Now, Richmond might also join the ranks by officially endorsing the $560 million One Casino + Resort project.
There has been significant opposition to a Richmond casino in 2021, indicating that this year’s vote may be much more closely contested compared to previous races.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that there are numerous influential advocates for a casino in Richmond.
Richmond casino proponents include Virginia governors
Once a simple majority of voters gives their approval, officials will be able to commence construction on ONE Casino + Resort. The anticipated opening of the casino, which will be funded independently without the use of any tax dollars, is likely to take place in 2025.
The winning proposal for the project was submitted by Urban One, a media conglomerate headquartered in Maryland, which owns several radio stations in Richmond. Urban One partnered with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, the parent company of Virginia’s Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums and the Colonial Downs racetrack. They surpassed five other contenders to secure the project.
The Richmond casino has been consistently promoted by project officials for its potential economic impact, particularly on the Southside region of the city. This is a key factor that led Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to endorse the project.
As Northam stated:
I support the One Casino + Resort project as it will offer economic opportunities and create approximately 4,500 jobs in our most underserved communities. Additionally, it will generate essential revenue for schools, roads, and other important needs in our city and state.
Terry McAuliffe, the former Governor of Virginia, who is currently engaged in a fiercely contested campaign to regain the governor’s seat, has additionally given his endorsement to the referendum.
According to reports, Glenn Youngkin, the Republican candidate for governor, is said to be in favor of the Richmond casino, just like McAuliffe’s opponent.
However, they are not the only ones, as there are other governors and governor-hopefuls as well.
Public officials endorse ONE Casino + Resort
Over the course of the first ten years, Richmond is projected to receive $500 million in fresh tax revenue and community benefits from the establishment of ONE Casino + Resort. Additionally, this venture is anticipated to generate 3,000 temporary construction positions and 1,500 permanent full-time jobs, offering an average annual salary and benefits totaling $55,000.
Moreover, due to its projected annual visitor count of 3.7 million, numerous influential individuals have given their support to the project, recognizing its potential to generate significant economic advantages.
Included in the group of individuals advocating for a Richmond casino are various public officials.
- Joe Morrissey is a Virginia State Senator.
- Lamont Bagby, a State Senator representing Virginia.
- Anne Holton, the former Secretary of Education in Virginia.
- Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney
- Virginia Delegate Jeff Bourne
- Cheryl Burke, the Chairperson of the Richmond School Board,
- The members of the Richmond City Council are Andreas Addison representing the 1st District, Ann-Frances Lambert representing the 3rd District, Kristen Larson representing the 4th District, Stephanie Lynch representing the 5th District, Ellen Robertson representing the 6th District, Cynthia Newbille representing the 7th District, Reva Trammell representing the 8th District, and Mike Jones representing the 9th District.
- Kathy Graziano, previously the President of the Richmond City Council
Potential tourism prompts support from hospitality industry
According to officials, One Casino + Resort is projected to draw in 3.7 million visitors every year upon its opening. Additionally, a significant 78% of the casino’s revenue will be generated from visitors outside the city, which serves as a compelling advantage for numerous local organizations.
The project has garnered support from various businesses, civil rights organizations, tourism groups, media outlets, and community leaders.
- ChamberRVA
- Metropolitan Business League
- Richmond Region Tourism
- Virginia State Conference NAACP
- Richmond Virginia Branch NAACP
- McGuire Civic Association
- Oak Grove Civic Association
- Richmond Crusade for Voters
- The Civic Association of the Richmond Highway Neighborhood
- Broad Rock Merchants Association
- Todd Parnell, also known as “Parney,” is the CEO of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
- Richmond Free Press
- Kym Grinnage, the Vice President & General Manager of NBC12
- Greta J. Harris, President and CEO of the Better Housing Coalition
According to Alfred C. Liggins III, CEO of Urban One,
Urban One takes great pride in our four-decade-long commitment to serving the communities in which we operate. Throughout our history, we have fostered exceptional partnerships that have led to substantial business prospects. With two decades of expertise in managing radio properties in the Richmond market, we are sincerely appreciative and humbled by the extensive and diverse support demonstrated for ONE in this city. Should voters affirm their support between now and Nov. 2, we assure you that we will strive to exceed expectations and make you proud.
Richmond casino opposition
The support for the casino in Richmond, a city with an estimated population of 250,000, is not unanimous. While there hasn’t been an official poll conducted on the matter, the Richmond casino referendum has caused significant division among the city’s residents over the past year.
A portion of the opposition has been marked by a lack of sincerity and a disrespectful tone. In fact, certain elements have taken a turn for the worse, becoming exceedingly hostile and filled with animosity.
Nevertheless, there are legitimate concerns expressed by concerned citizens regarding the construction of a casino in the Virginia capital. These concerns encompass various issues such as potential traffic congestion, the risk of gambling addiction, doubts regarding the projected economic impact, and the selection of an operator for the Richmond project, which attracted numerous interested parties.
Senator Tim Kaine, a resident and voter in Richmond, Virginia, who also served as the state’s governor and chaired the Democratic National Committee, recently cast his vote against the project. His office stated that the senator believes there are alternative methods to improve economic development in Richmond that would be more effective.
Many opponents of the Richmond casino have consistently argued that there are more effective methods to enhance the city’s economy.
Quinton Robbins, the political director of the Richmond for All initiative, affirmed that a significant portion of the opposition has united under their cause.
The evidence is unequivocal – there is a lack of widespread neighborhood endorsement for the establishment of this casino. Casinos, as an exploitative industry, will deplete our community’s resources solely for the benefit of a select few individuals. Having conducted extensive outreach over the past few weeks, it has become evident to me that my fellow residents are concerned about the detrimental impact this casino will have on the very place we cherish as our home.
In a week’s time, we will have the definitive answer: Will the proponents be outnumbered by the opponents, or will One Casino + Resort receive the green light?
Related Articles
