Richmond Casino Project to Remain on November Ballot

“Richmond casino project still needs November vote”

Residents of Richmond, Virginia, will once again be allowed to vote on a proposed casino on the city's south side.

On Nov. 7, a district court judge ruled in favor of the city's request to hold another casino referendum. The judge's decision came in response to a request from local nonprofits to halt the referendum. Good Lions, Inc.'s Richmond Lodge No. 1 argued that the new casino would hurt the nonprofit's revenue, it was reported earlier this month. The group hosts charity gambling events twice a week.

The judge essentially ruled that the government's actions were not entirely attributable to the alleged injuries.

State Sen. Chap Peterson (D-Richmond) appeared on behalf of the Good Lions and called the judge's decision "regrettable."

Richmond Mayor LeVar Stoney issued a statement saying the casino will "transform economic development on the South Side for years to come."

Now, the decision on new casinos is back in the hands of voters. A 2021 ballot initiative narrowly failed. Since then, city leaders have been pushing for new ballot initiatives.

What’s the danger

If voters approve a November referendum, Churchill Downs Inc. will partner with Urban One to build a $562 million entertainment and gaming venue with the city of Richmond.

Mayor Stoney said in a statement following the judge's latest ruling, "If the proposed resort and casino are approved this November, it will create 1,300 high-paying jobs and generate an estimated $30 million in annual revenue to meet our needs." community’s greatest needs.” Covered. "

Richmond is the last of five economically disadvantaged Virginia cities to vote on a casino referendum. If approved by voters, the Virginia General Assembly would allow Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond to have one commercial casino each.

If approved, the new complex would be sited adjacent to the Phillip Morris manufacturing campus off Interstate 95.

How we got here

In June, all but one Richmond City Council member agreed to put the casino on the ballot. But this time, the partnership between the two parties has been renewed.

Churchill Down and Urban One spent tens of thousands of dollars on television advertising to drum up support for the casino project. Opponents of the project are also expected to spend money as the vote is expected to be close.

The 2021 referendum failed by a majority of 51-49%.