Casino approved by Petersburg, Virginia voters by a wide margin

Since Richmonders rejected a casino proposal twice, Petersburgers have a chance to have their voices heard.

The proposition passed with an approval rate of 81.5% to 18.5% when all precincts reported on Tuesday night. The official tally from the secretary of state's office is 10,265 in support and 2,325 against. In the city, the Cordish Companies intend to construct a Live! Casino and hold all the necessary licenses.

Legislators in the state legalised online sports betting in 2020. Additionally, five sites in the state were identified as potential sites for brick-and-mortar casinos. But before a licence could be awarded, each venue had to get local approval. Three casinos have opened thus far: Hard Rock in Bristol, Caesars in Danville, and Rivers in Portsmouth. The Norfolk casino, which is being developed by Boyd Gaming in partnership with the Pamunkey tribe, will cost $750 million and will open in late 2027. Construction began late last week.

The approval of Richmond came as the fifth city. However, the referendum was rejected by the local residents in 2021. After another two-year wait, 61% of voters still rejected the idea. Parliamentarians from the little central Virginia town of Petersburg decided they wanted a piece of the action after the second loss.

Following legislative approval of Petersburg as a possible site, the city council proceeded to grant Cordish a licence without soliciting bids.

Not a smooth ride to the Petersburg casino
Nothing has been easy on the way to a casino in Petersburg. Following Richmond's initial denial, politicians in Petersburg began to pursue being the fifth potential site for the casino. Petersburg was delayed because state lawmakers preferred to give Richmond voters a more opportunity. The Virginia Assembly included Petersburg in the gambling bill amendment that was made in April.

Subsequently, the initiative was contested, and one union filed a lawsuit against the city citing an opaque bidding procedure. Lawmakers in St. Petersburg first sought proposals from potential casino operators through a call for proposals process. Bids were submitted by Bally's, the Cordish Companies, Penn Entertainment, Rush Street, and the Warrenton Group in collaboration with Delaware North.

At a town hall meeting on April 14th, each company gave its bid. Ten days later, in a secret meeting, the city council awarded the contract to Cordish and announced a no-bid process. The business had lost out on the chance to bid for the casino in Richmond in the past.

The matter was placed on the ballot in July after the Virginia Lottery and the Petersburg city council granted the request for a referendum.

On 92 acres in southern Petersburg, Cordish intends to construct a resort, casino, and entertainment complex worth $597 million. Constructing the property will be done in two stages.