Where is the opposition to Virginia casinos as voter referendums draw near in the Old Dominion?
In the early part of this year, the Virginia General Assembly paved the way for the introduction of casino gambling in five cities within the state.
During the general election on Nov. 3, the casino fate of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth will be decided. Richmond residents, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to express their opinion through a voter referendum in 2021.
As the upcoming elections draw closer, there has been limited opposition towards the Virginia casino-resorts. Nonetheless, a handful of anti-casino groups are gradually surfacing, employing diverse approaches in their endeavors.
Virginia casino opposition includes Danville PAC
Eric Stamps, a resident of Danville, was among the first to initiate organized opposition.
In 2019, Stamps, a Democrat who ran for the House of Delegates District 14 but was unsuccessful, recently initiated a political action committee (PAC). Named the Local Action PAC, this campaign aims to challenge Caesars Entertainment’s proposal to construct a $400 million casino-resort.
Local business leaders, along with the Danville City Council, have expressed their support for the Danville casino. Additionally, citizens of Danville have joined in by writing letters to the editor in the local newspaper, pledging their endorsement.
Nevertheless, Stamps has contended that there exists a significant portion of the population whose opinions are being overlooked in the ongoing casino discussion. Furthermore, Stamps has voiced apprehension regarding employment policies, the overall job count, potential remuneration, societal ramifications, as well as precautions against COVID-19 throughout the construction process.
Despite recent media coverage addressing all concerns, Caesars Entertainment and Danville officials have successfully tackled them. However, time is not in his favor. Stamps intends to reinforce his message through town halls, signage, and mailers in the upcoming weeks.
Local churches target Bristol casino
There is a possibility of a Bristol casino located to the west of Danville. Upon receiving approval from voters, Hard Rock International intends to commence construction on the project, leading to the development of the $400 million Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino.
As part of a vast outdoor entertainment and live concert venue, the project aims to draw upon the city’s deep country music heritage.
Nevertheless, a coalition of four local churches has united in their opposition against the casino, taking a collective stance. Their efforts involve the distribution of an informative eight-page magazine, elaborating on the reasons behind their opposition.
The coalition consists of two churches located in Bristol, namely State Street Church of Christ and East Bristol Church of Christ. Additionally, Lebanon Church of Christ and Abingdon Church of Christ, which are nearby, have also joined the coalition.
The magazine centers its attention on addiction, crime, family consequences, and the adverse “spiritual cost” associated with casinos. It draws its content from various sources including the Bible, reputable organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, and the controversial Focus on the Family fundamentalist Christian organization.
The magazine, known as “House to House, Heart to Heart,” presents a somewhat unclear message, making it uncertain if it will truly make a significant impact. Nevertheless, the organized message from church leaders, who naturally hold considerable influence over their congregations, should not be overlooked.
Norfolk opposition cites inexperience
Norfolk, located in the northeastern region of the commonwealth, is making arrangements for a possible casino within its boundaries. In order to proceed with this endeavor, the city has joined forces with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, collaborating on the development of the Norfolk casino, and also exploring the potential establishment of a casino in Richmond.
Last year, a group of concerned citizens named “Citizens for an Informed Norfolk” was established, and now its successor, “Informed Norfolk”, has initiated a public relations campaign opposing the proposed $500 million project.
Unlike other potential Virginia casino cities, the planned Norfolk casino has encountered unique challenges. The Norfolk City Council was compelled to revoke a previous agreement that would have permitted the casino site to be situated on Pamunkey Indian Tribe land. This alteration, prompted by petitions and public hearings, guarantees that Norfolk will still benefit from tax revenue, even though the tribe has obtained federal recognition, which could have hindered tax collection efforts.
The change occurred in response to the public outcry last year when the Informed Norfolk group took action. According to group members, Norfolk officials hastily finalized the agreement without adequately seeking public input.
The committee is currently urging residents to oppose the Norfolk casino referendum. Its members have expressed their concerns through op-eds published in newspapers. In recent times, they have specifically criticized the lack of casino development experience exhibited by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and its partners, Golden Eagle Consulting II, LLC, as well as Tennessee billionaire John Yarbrough. The committee has dismissed the tribe’s pledges of job creation, tax revenue, and tourism as mere “propaganda” that lacks accuracy.
The destiny of the groups will ultimately be determined by Norfolk residents on November 3, similar to other cities.
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