Legislators in Virginia clear the path for a 2024 casino referendum in Petersburg

Published
09/21/2024

It looks like Petersburg is about to roll the dice and play its hand in the world of casinos in November 2024! Those Virginia lawmakers certainly know how to keep things interesting with their approval of an amendment by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to skip the whole "second vote to put it into effect" clause. If there's one thing for sure, it's that Virginia is not one to shy away from the table when it comes to gambling on legislative decisions. With the re-enactment clause out of the way, Petersburg now has a real shot at joining the casino scene, and who knows, they might just hit the jackpot come November! It's a high-stakes game they're playing, but hey, in a world where politics and casinos collide, anything can happen! Especially if we take into account the fact that GGBet casino online, just like regular one, is in incredible demand all over the world, providing a lot of advantages for both sides.

With a touch of political finesse, state Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) wittily celebrated a triumphant moment in her Senate session – after two previous stumbles, the General Assembly finally embraced her bill to grant Petersburg's citizens a chance to voice their opinions through a casino referendum. Indeed, the third time's the charm! As the votes were cast, it was a delightful twist that coincided with Governor Youngkin's pen work scratching Richmond off the roster of potential casino host cities in Virginia. With determination and clever planning, Aird has managed to outsmart the gaming industry, proving that a good hand can be achieved through savvy laws and a never-give-up attitude. There are always surprises in the political sphere, and this most recent event gave Virginia politics a new card.

Petersburg is gearing up to put a casino referendum on the ballot before you can say "jackpot!" The city is forming a committee consisting of city team members and community reps to plan for this exciting endeavor. Senator Aird is being hailed as a savior for keeping her promise to provide Petersburg with the necessary resources to progress. This whole thing is now conceivable thanks to the General Assembly and Governor Youngkin, who eliminated the re-enactment provision. The state code specifies specific limits that are appropriate for each community, but it leaves out Portsmouth, Norfolk, Danville, and Bristol, the communities that are eligible for a casino. The Youngkin-signed bills substitute language listing Petersburg as one of the qualified cities for the language that excludes Richmond.

The legislative branch has the last say

State assembly decides on the project's fate despite local approval for the Petersburg casino. The reenactment clause adds the city to the casino list. Legislation needs second legislative approval. Cordish's PPE Casino Resorts Petersburg LLC plans a $597M complex on 92 acres, including a hotel entertainment center in South Petersburg. The proposal is the following: $142M for a temporary casino and $454.2M for a permanent facility.

Benefits of the solution
  • A vibrant cityscape with flashing lights, lively crowds, and coins clinking promising an economic boost like no other. 
  • Petersburg can revitalize its economy, creating numerous job opportunities for locals and attracting tourists like bees to honey. 
  • Think of the hotels bustling with guests, restaurants fully booked, and souvenir shops buzzing with excitement. 
  • Not to mention the glamorous entertainment and jazzy nightlife that will surely put Petersburg on the map as the city that never sleeps. 

Get ready to let the good times roll, Petersburg, because the casino referendum in 2024 is a truly golden ticket to a whole new world of possibilities!