The casino politics in Virginia demonstrate the significant impact that a mere 25 miles can have. Richmond finds itself in a state of uncertainty due to a convergence of factors.
State Senator Joe Morrissey is in favor of a Virginia casino being established in Richmond. However, there is a conflict arising as attempts to relocate the casino to his new district, which is slightly south of Richmond, are causing tension with a prominent media mogul who intends to build the casino in Richmond.
First, some history:
Virginia includes Richmond in list of casino cities
The Virginia General Assembly approved the introduction of casinos in five cities during the spring of 2020. However, the establishment of these casinos in each city required the consent of the voters through an election vote.
- In the autumn of 2020, casino votes were included on the ballot for five cities. Among them, four Virginia casino bids were successful with a significant majority, approximately two votes in favor for every one against. Consequently, the cities of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth will soon witness the construction of casinos.
- Richmond was granted authorization by lawmakers to conduct a casino vote as well. One Resort + Casino collaborated with the city in developing the plans in preparation for the 2021 vote. The project received support from Urban One, recognized as the largest Black-owned media company in the nation.
- The casino bid in Richmond fell short of approval by a narrow margin, as only 49% of voters supported the project. Unfortunately, a majority was required to initiate construction.
As previously stated, Sen. Morrissey is a strong advocate for casinos. It is worth noting that he represents not only parts of Richmond, but also Petersburg, situated approximately 25 miles south of the capital city.
The supporters of a Resort + Casino venture aimed to secure a vote in Richmond for the upcoming 2022 ballot. However, Morrissey leveraged the dynamics of Virginia’s casino politics to grant Petersburg an opportunity instead. In fact, he proposed a couple of amendments to the Virginia budget.
The initial endeavor of including Petersburg in the state’s roster of authorized casino cities proved unsuccessful.
However, Morrissey successfully passed a second amendment, which grants the state the authority to halt a 2022 Richmond vote temporarily. This measure enables the state to conduct a study for Petersburg instead.
Redrawn senate districts and Virginia casino locations
Keep in mind:
- Due to the redrawing of senate districts in Virginia, Morrissey is compelled to leave the Richmond area of his district. In order to run in Senate District 13, he must find a new place of residence. If he emerges victorious, he will no longer represent Richmond.
- Morrissey’s priority lies with his Petersburg constituents rather than those he will leave behind in Richmond, as a casino located 25 miles away will still attract a significant number of gamblers from Richmond.
- One Resort + Casino is not included (or excluded) in any Petersburg plans.
Urban One has a strong connection with the city of Richmond, but Morrissey’s decision to support a Petersburg bid instead is causing dissatisfaction among the company and its founder and chairperson, Cathy Hughes.
Her dissatisfaction stems from her former Virginia Senate ally’s decision to block a vote on a Richmond casino for this autumn. Additionally, she is concerned about her company’s lack of assurance in Petersburg, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Morrissey’s inclusion of that city in the state’s guest list.
Urban One executives held a community meeting about the casino, and C. Suarez Rojas from the Richmond Times-Dispatch was present to cover the event.
Hughes addressed the Richmond attendees, stating, “We refuse to stand idle while you are denied something that this city urgently requires and desires. Rest assured, he will not be your representative in the coming year.”
The current CEO of Urban One is Alfred Liggins, who is her son.
According to the Times-Dispatch, Sen. Morrissey stated that Liggins bears some responsibility for the political situation surrounding Virginia’s casinos.
She is free to throw me under the bus if she wishes, but in doing so, she must also throw her own son under it.
A disagreement of biblical proportions
According to the Times-Dispatch, the senator reported that Liggins proposed a plan to relocate the One Resort + Casino to Petersburg shortly after the casino was rejected by voters in Richmond.
Morrissey asserted, “I made the correct decision by firmly declining. We will select the finest casino operator through a fair process without any secretive agreements. Just like how the best quarterback takes the field on Sunday afternoon.”
In contrast, Hughes offered an alternate analogy during the community meeting held in early August.
I trust that everyone comprehends the astuteness of Joe Morrissey as a politician. However, I envision myself as David in the near future. With the divine strength bestowed upon me, I shall conquer a formidable opponent.
Hughes and Urban One have the potential to leverage their political influence. In the upcoming Democratic primary, Morrissey will be challenged by former Virginia Del. Lashrecse Aird. This presents an opportunity for Hughes to seek retribution by supporting Morrissey’s opponent.
In the event that Hughes successfully garners support from 2025 voters for the Richmond plans, the proposed One Resort + Casino, with a budget of $656 million, would include approximately 1,800 slot machines and 100 table games. Additionally, the developers have incorporated 250 hotel rooms and a live entertainment stage into the project’s blueprint.
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