Petersburg casino referendum approved in record quick time

Petersburg voters will soon decide whether to approve a new commercial casino, as the city’s council has unanimously voted to include the referendum on the November ballot alongside the presidential election.

Petersburg’s city council meeting this week lasted just 2.5 minutes before the vote passed 7-0 in favor of the referendum. The proposal was swiftly sanctioned by the Petersburg Circuit Court the same day, marking a major milestone for the casino initiative.

Earlier this month, the Virginia Lottery approved Petersburg to replace Richmond as one of the five designated casino locations in the state after Richmond voters twice rejected similar plans.

Key details of the referendum:

• The official ballot question will read: “Shall casino gaming be permitted at a casino gaming establishment in Petersburg, Virginia as may be approved by the Virginia Lottery Board?”

• Voters will simply choose “Yes” or “No.”

• A majority “Yes” vote would allow developers to apply for a gaming license.

The Cordish Companies of Maryland and Bruce Smith Enterprise of Virginia are leading the $597 million development plan, which will include:

• A casino, hotel, and entertainment complex on 92 acres in South Petersburg.

• A two-phase construction approach, with an interim casino opening in 2025.

• A permanent gaming floor featuring 1,000 slot machines, 23 live-dealer tables, and a 15-table poker room.

Projected community impact:

• The development is expected to create around 7,500 jobs.

• It could serve as an economic catalyst for South Petersburg’s redevelopment.

• However, the state’s General Assembly retains final approval power.

If Petersburg voters endorse the project in November, it could pave the way for one of Virginia’s most ambitious casino ventures yet—signaling a new era of growth and opportunity for the city.