The citizens of Petersburg, Virginia, have approved the historic casino referendum, with over 80% residents voting in favor of the $1.4 billion Live! Casino Resort project. This past election marked the highest support for a casino referendum in the Commonwealth’s history.
Petersburg residents in Virginia approved the historic casino referendum for the development of the Live! Casino Resort
This casino referendum also marks a monumental step forward for the Petersburg community, as the approval paves the way for the development of a world-class casino and entertainment destination. The project promises to revitalize the local economy, create jobs, and invest in community services.
Live! Casino Resort will be co-developed by The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise. The casino-resort is projected to bring various economic benefits to the region.
Furthermore, Live! Casino Resort will offer more than 400,000 square feet of first-class gaming, hotel, and dining space. About 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space is on the agenda as well.
The resort will feature a 200-room hotel with 20 suites and a resort pool and fitness center. Plus, the casino will provide 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines, 46 live action table games, a 15-table poker room, high limit slot and table areas, and a sportsbook.
In addition to development providing gaming, entertainment, and hotel options, the casino-resort will also feature restaurants for guests. Petersburg is expected to become a premier destination for tourism and entertainment in the Old Dominion.
Opening date of the initial first phase casino is scheduled for 2026
Construction will commence after the vote is certified and all required approvals are received. However, the opening date of the initial first phase casino is scheduled for 2026.
“We are deeply gratified by the community’s affirmation of this project and very hopeful about the meaningful impact it will have on the city’s future,” said Bruce Smith, Owner of Bruce Smith Enterprise, Pro Football Hall of Fame Member, Developer and Community Leader, and co-developer of the planned Live! Casino Resort in Petersburg.
“The casino will not only create good-paying jobs for our residents but will also attract visitors statewide and beyond, stimulating local businesses and in turn producing an overall ripple effect of economic growth. Now that the voters have spoken, we look forward to working with the City of Petersburg and the Virginia Lottery to secure all of the necessary permitting, licensing and regulatory approvals for this project to move forward.”
Live! Casino Resort will promote significant urban development to transform Petersburg into a thriving entertainment and hospitality destination. The project will set a new standard for gaming, hotels, and entertainment in Virginia.
Additionally, the casino-resort will serve as a new world-class attraction for Petersburg and the greater Central Virginia region. The project site is located at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95. In fact, it provides easy access on and off the East Coast’s major north-south interstate.
