The future of a proposed casino in Petersburg, Virginia, will soon be decided by local voters. The project, led by The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprises, involves a $1.4 billion development plan to build a Live!-branded casino resort in the city. The goal is to boost the local economy and bring new jobs to the area.
The first phase of the project, valued at $600 million, would see the creation of the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. This facility would be conveniently located near Interstate 95 and include a 200-room hotel, eight dining and bar options, and 35,000 square feet of convention space. A concert venue capable of seating 3,000 guests is also part of the plan, along with a casino featuring 1,600 slot machines, 50 table games, a 15-table poker room, and a sportsbook.
Supporters of the casino believe it will provide much-needed economic benefits to Petersburg, a city that has faced economic challenges in recent years. The developers predict the project could bring in $2.8 billion over its first ten years. They’ve also pledged to pay resort workers an average salary of $70,000, including benefits, which could offer new job opportunities for local residents.
If voters approve the project, the next step will be a review by the Virginia Lottery, which oversees casino regulation in the state. This review will determine whether Cordish and Bruce Smith Enterprises meet the necessary standards to proceed. Once the green light is given, the developers plan to invest an additional $800 million over the following decade. Future plans include building a nongaming hotel, office space, retail stores, and residential housing, further expanding the scope of the project.
While there has been no official polling on the issue, many believe Petersburg voters are more likely to support the casino than voters in other regions where similar projects have faced opposition. If approved, the casino could play a major role in revitalizing the local economy and providing new opportunities for growth.
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