Despite a growing casino industry in Virginia and more than $10 million spent in the push to Tuesday’s election, Richmond voters rejected a plan for a casino in the city for the second time in three. years.
Developers hoped to bring a casino to the state’s capital city, and the plan was favored by city officials. Much of the spending on the campaign came from casino supporters. Voters, however, didn’t sign on to the plan. Tuesday’s vote saw an overwhelming victory for those against the plan with 61.6% casting no votes compared to 38.4% voting yes votes.
“For too long, the politics of Richmond has been controlled by politicians and their allies who put their own self interest before the public interest,” said Paul Goldman, who helped lead opposition to the plan. “Today, the people of Richmond said clearly those days are over. Those who can’t put aside the politics of resentment need to step aside, and I think we all know who they are. Richmond can afford right now to fix our schools, provide affordable day care, achieve equality for all and reduce the tax burden on the citizenry.
“The losing side tonight said the only way to do that is to fleece the poor. The winning side — a team effort of which I was one of many — said the way to do that is for all of us to work together for the common good. I’d like to think we can start on this new path tomorrow.”
Opposition Grew Even More to Casino
The state approved allowing up to five casinos in 2020. However, cities seeking to add a casino would need approval by local voters. Casinos have already opened in Bristol, Portsmouth and Danville with another project in the works in Norfolk as well.
Voters in Richmond also rejected a casino plan in 2021. This year’s opposition grew considerably, after only 51% voted against the plan in the previous election.
In June, the city council approved RVA Entertainment, a joint venture between Churchill Downs and Urban One, to construct and operate the casino should voters approve. Urban One is a media company that operates 55 radio stations and the TV One cable network.
RVA proposed a $562.5 million property to be called Richmond Grand Resort Casino and supporters said the project would generate 1,300 jobs and $30 million in annual local tax revenue. RVA would have provided the city an initial payment of $25.5 million as well and a $1 million bonus upon the closing of financing. Developers hoped to build in the city’s Southside and help revive the area.
“We are proud to have run a community-centered campaign to create more opportunities for residents of this great city to rise into the middle class,” the Richmond Wins, Vote Yes campaign noted after the election. “We are grateful to the thousands of Richmonders who voted for good jobs and a stronger city, especially those in Southside who poured their hearts into this project.”
A casino coming at least in the vicinity of the Richmond area at least remains a possibility however. City officials in Petersburg, located just 25 miles to the south, have expressed some interest in holding a referendum for the casino.
Petersburg Mayor Samuel Parham said possible casino developers, including some behind the Richmond proposal, have already contacted city officials about possibly bringing a resort to the city. State Sen. Joe Morrissey (D) has said he plans on drafting legislation for allowing Petersburg to consider a proposal.
“Petersburg is the best location … now that Richmond has declined,” Morrissey told the Associated Press. “Losing the referendum in Richmond was a tragedy. But the silver lining may be relocating that casino to Petersburg.”
