The future of Virginia casino endeavors in Richmond is uncertain following the expiration of a city agreement with its favored casino collaborator.
The $563 million Urban One Resort + Casino project on the south side of the capital city faced obstacles due to both democracy and bureaucracy.
Richmond, along with four other cities in Virginia, has been granted permission to construct a casino. However, the condition for approval is contingent upon receiving public support through an election, which unfortunately Richmond failed to obtain.
The November 2021 proposal put forward by the city and its preferred partner was narrowly rejected by voters. However, both sides expressed the desire to give it another shot in the 2022 election cycle, but…
The hurdle of bureaucracy – A few representatives in the Virginia General Assembly are employing the unsuccessful 2021 vote as a means to delay Richmond’s bid. Lawmakers from the area have effectively included budget provisions to prevent a vote in Richmond in 2022.
The VA delegates will consider a study near Petersburg as a potential site instead, taking advantage of the delay. The fact that a significant incumbent had his district boundaries adjusted to encompass Petersburg, while reducing his presence in Richmond, is not a mere coincidence.
Richmond gave up on a 2022 Virginia Casino vote
On August 4th, Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins decided to drop the initial plan of suing the state alongside the city of Richmond, as the media conglomerate aimed to establish the first Black-majority-owned casino in the United States, known as Urban One Resort + Casino. This move signified a change in strategy for Urban One.
Although we have compelling legal justifications to proceed with the plan in 2022, we have requested our partner, the city of Richmond, to retract their petition for the November 2022 ballot referendum. We believe that engaging in a prolonged legal battle at this juncture would not be the most beneficial course of action for the residents of Richmond or the state of Virginia. Our current objective is centered on securing a victory in the Richmond casino referendum slated for 2025.
There is a possibility that Urban One and Richmond might opt for a partnership restructuring to align with the 2025 timeline. Nevertheless, according to a political strategist interviewed by Jeremy M. Lazarus of the Richmond Free Press, there could be competition for Urban One.
On September 19, Paul Goldman sent a text message to Lazarus, informing the reporter.
City officials are not permitted by state law to view a casino as something they can casually distribute to their political acquaintances for personal motives.
In a text message to Lazarus, Goldman emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair city council and election process for the residents of Richmond. He stressed the need for a system that is completely devoid of any indication of bias or favoritism.
One Resort + Casino plans as of now
The new timeline allows developers to modify their plans. However, at present, the project entails the inclusion of 100,000 square feet of gaming space, as per the project details.
- There are over 1,800 slot machines available.
- Over 100 table games
- A poker room
- And a high-tech sportsbook
Legacy Tower is equipped with 250 hotel rooms that offer a stunning view of the city. Additionally, the resort boasts a business center, a fitness room, and an expansive 55-acre green space. Rise Theater, designed by developers, aims to accommodate over 250,000 guests for 200 live shows.
The plans for the Resort + Casino include the incorporation of 15 unique restaurants and bars.
The casino complex, worth $563 million, will be operated by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.
According to the official website of the project, One Resort + Casino will become the fifth Virginia casino if approved by Richmond voters in 2025. It is estimated that the casino would attract approximately 3.7 million visitors annually.
There will be a Resort + Casino situated in South Richmond, conveniently close to the Philip Morris manufacturing center and Interstate 95.
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