The possibility of constructing a casino in Petersburg was put to rest by a Virginia Senate committee.
SB 203 faced opposition from the Finance and Appropriations Committee, resulting in its rejection by a narrow margin of 9-7. Consequently, the possibility of establishing a casino in the city was completely extinguished.
At the commencement of the legislative session, Senator Joe Morrisey, a Democrat from Richmond, introduced a bill that proposes the inclusion of Petersburg to the roster of eligible cities for casino establishment. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any city declining a casino referendum would be prohibited from conducting another vote on the matter for a period of five years.
Legislation was signed in April 2020 by the then-Governor Ralph Northam, granting the residents of five economically challenged cities the authority to determine the potential establishment of Las Vegas-style casinos within their jurisdictions.
In November 2020, the residents of Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Bristol voted in favor of introducing gaming to their respective hometowns, as permitted by the legislation that allowed for referendums in these cities.
Nevertheless, the vote was postponed by Richmond officials for a year. The proposal, unfortunately, met rejection from voters in November.
Petersburg casino bill was not a partisan issue
Although Morrisey identified as a Democrat, his bill failed to gain support within his own party.
Out of the 11 committee Democrats, six cast their votes against the bill. Meanwhile, out of the five Republicans on the panel, three voted against the legislation.
Let’s take a closer look at the vote breakdown:
Nays
- Senator Janet Howell
- Senator Emmett Hanger, a member of the Republican party,
- Senator Louise Lucas, a dedicated and esteemed member of legislative body –
- Senator Stephen Newman is a highly respected individual in the political arena.
- Senator Jill Vogel is a dedicated public servant.
- Senator George Barker is a prominent figure in politics.
- Senator John Edwards – D
- Senator Creigh Deeds – D
- Senator Mamie Locke, representing the people – D.
Yeas
- Senator Richard Saslaw is a prominent political figure.
- Senator Thomas Norment – R
- Senator Frank Ruff – R
- Senator Chapman Petersen is a dedicated public servant.
- Senator David Marsden is a dedicated public servant.
- Senator Adam Ebbin, a dedicated public servant, is known for his exemplary service to the community.
- Senator Jennifer McClellan is a prominent figure in the political realm.
Richmond likely to hold a second referendum
Since Morrisey’s bill was rejected, it is highly probable that Richmond voters will have another opportunity to vote on the casino initiative.
In November, the Richmond City Council voted overwhelmingly, with 8 in favor and 1 against, to reintroduce the matter on the upcoming ballot. Nonetheless, Mayor Levar Stoney is aiming to encourage a distinct result this time.
If the casino referendum is approved, Stoney has suggested a reduction of 2% in the city’s property tax.
The slim margin of about 1,500 votes ultimately led to the rejection of the $560 million One Casino + Resort initiative last November.
However, upon further examination of the voter breakdown, it was revealed that the “no” votes originated from wealthier regions within the city. These regions boasted significantly higher property values compared to the areas that supported the casino.
Stoney is hopeful that offering a 2% discount on their tax bill will influence the vote to shift in the opposite direction.
Morrisey, along with other vocal opponents of the council’s decision, contends that conducting a redo would undermine democratic principles. Morrisey expressed his intention to engage in discussions with fellow party members in an effort to resurrect the legislation, as reported by various media outlets.
Urban One, an African American-focused media company, was granted the city’s gaming license by the council in the previous year.
Partnering with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, the organization embarked on its inaugural gaming venture with the development of the Richmond casino.
PPE is already established in Virginia with its ownership of Rosie’s Gaming Emporiums and the Colonial Downs racetrack in the state.
If the referendum is passed, Catherine Hughes and Alfred Liggins, who own 90% of the Maryland-based business, would make One Casino + Resort the first black-owned casino in America.
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