Richmond, Virginia Voters to Decide the Casino’s Fate at the Polls Today

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 7, 2023

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In Richmond, Virginia, voters are once again deciding on the fate of a proposed $562 million resort casino along Interstate 95. This ballot measure marks the second attempt to gain approval for the casino after a previous rejection by the city two years ago.

Developers have reworked their proposal and launched a $10 million pro-casino campaign to garner support for the project, which has received endorsements from Mayor Levar Stoney and major local business organizations. An organized opposition effort has also emerged, emphasizing the city’s prior rejection of the casino.

The Richmond Grand Resort and Casino, a joint venture between Urban One and Churchill Downs, plans to offer slots, a sportsbook, table games, a 250-room hotel, an outdoor park, dining and a concert venue, potentially generating 1,300 permanent jobs and significant financial benefits.

If the referendum passes, the city stands to receive a $25.5 million upfront payment and $1 million after financing closes, along with $16 million in charitable donations over a decade and an expected annual tax revenue of $30 million.

The developers have asserted that they do not seek publicly funded incentives or tax breaks, and city officials have indicated that a portion of the revenue will be allocated to support affordable child care.

The project has gained backing from various business and labor groups, local faith leaders, prominent civil rights organizations and Richmond’s independent weekly newspaper focused on the Black community.

Tierra Ward, campaign manager for the pro-casino political committee Richmond Wins Vote Yes, emphasized the efforts of over 250 canvassers advocating for the project’s anticipated benefits on Election Day.

On the opposing side, concerns raised encompass issues such as the potential wealth extraction from the working class and the exacerbation of problem gambling.

The campaign faced a public relations challenge when a radio host on Urban One station made offensive remarks about leading project opponent Paul Goldman, a longtime Democratic Party activist. The developers issued an apology in response.

In 2020, Virginia’s political landscape shifted toward permitting casinos by enacting legislation to allow up to five casinos throughout the state, contingent on securing voter approval.

Proponents argued that these casinos would provide substantial economic relief to struggling regions. Presently, three casinos are operational, located in Bristol, Portsmouth and Danville, in proximity to the North Carolina state line, with a fourth in Norfolk gradually advancing.