Virginia’s budget amendment allows a study of the potential revenue of a casino in Petersburg and prevents a referendum for another casino in Richmond until November 2023. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
obvious possibility
Virginia’s budget adjustment opened the door to the possibility of a casino in Petersburg. Lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives were able to reach a compromise Wednesday on the budget; Governor Glen Yongkin was appointed to review the plan.
Additional casino polls will be banned in Richmond until at least November 2023
The amendment approves a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) to consider the potential revenue that Casino Petersburg might generate. If this happens, additional casino polls will be banned in Richmond until at least November 2023.
Rising Local Officials
Senator Joe Morrissey and Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham held a joint press conference Thursday morning to clarify the possibility of a casino access to the city.
Senator Morrissey spoke about how the city has already had initial discussions with up to seven casino operators and that “next year, when the JLARC study is completed, we will then introduce legislation to get the casino in Petersburg.”
The mayor believes that owning a casino will create a massive economic boost and more jobs for the city. “This is about changing Petersburg and for our love and passion for our city and what we want it to look like for many decades to come,” he said.
Richmond doesn’t fall without a fight
In neighboring Richmond, residents voted against the proposed $562.5 million casino resort in Urban One last November. In March 2022, a judge granted a request by the city to hold another referendum on the matter.
The governor of Virginia is believed to support a casino in Petersburg
During Thursday’s press conference, Senator Morrissey said it was time for Richmond to move and that Petersburg would get far more interest from a casino than from Richmond. The governor of Virginia is believed to support a casino in Petersburg.
The City of Richmond later issued a statement with Urban One condemning the budget amendment and saying they would consider litigation. Governor Yongkin has seven days to review the proposed budget, after which he will make any recommendations he may have.
