It solely took the Petersburg Metropolis Council two and a half minutes to unanimously approve a transfer asking the Petersburg Circuit Court docket to sanction a referendum to deliver on line casino gaming to the town. The decisive 7-Zero vote occurred Monday morning, marking one other very important milestone within the high-profile on line casino undertaking’s path to fruition.
Metropolis Officers Wasted No Time
On 9 July, the Virginia Lottery Board, which oversees the state’s gaming business, despatched a letter to the town administration approving Petersburg’s request to maintain the referendum. The Metropolis Council’s subsequent assembly, held on the Petersburg Public Library, noticed just one citizen in attendance, with the remainder of the viewers comprising metropolis workers, media, and police appearing as safety.
Vice Mayor Darrin Hill, representing Ward 2, the place the proposed on line casino resort will launch pending voter approval in November, proudly launched the movement to approve the motion. Fellow councilors wasted no time, and in two and a half minutes, the decision was on its solution to the courthouse. Petersburg Circuit Court docket Decide Dennis Martin signed the movement just a few hours later.
Following this vote, Petersburg’s courtroom has till 16 August to approve the referendum in time for it to seem on the 5 November poll. The referendum will ask voters whether or not they approve of a brand new on line casino gaming institution within the Metropolis of Petersburg offering playing companies. The poll will present “sure” and “no” checkboxes for voters to point their resolution.
The On line casino Mission Stays on Observe
The Cordish Corporations, a Maryland-based on line casino developer, and Virginia-based Bruce Smith Enterprise have partnered to speculate $597 million into this undertaking, that includes a on line casino, lodge, and leisure advanced on 92 acres of land simply off Wagner Highway in southern Petersburg. This funding features a short-term on line casino the group plans to construct onsite ought to the referendum move, with hopes of opening by the top of 2025.
In accordance with varied stakeholders, the undertaking ought to considerably bolster Petersburg’s financial system, offering employment alternatives for roughly 7,500 folks, with a mean annual compensation of $70,000, together with advantages and ideas. Town takes the place of Richmond as one in every of Virginia’s 5 authorized on line casino areas after Richmond voters rejected playing in two totally different referenda.
As Petersburg strikes nearer to a potential on line casino future, stakeholders and residents will likely be intently watching the end result of the upcoming vote. Following a profitable referendum, the state’s basic meeting can have one last vote, signaling an official begin for the undertaking and doubtlessly bringing financial development, job creation, and elevated tourism to the world.
