Petersburg casino bill advances

A possible casino in Petersburg, Virginia has taken another step forward.

SB 628, a bill that would replace Richmond with neighboring Petersburg among cities in the commonwealth eligible for development of a new casino, has passed both houses of the Virginia General Assembly.

Cordish Cos. proposed a $1.4 billion casino in Petersburg last year before the city’s referendum failed to advance as local politics meant the plan for a Richmond casino took the front seat. Cordish has not commented on current plans.

The planned Richmond casino from Churchill Downs and Urban One failed to get voter support in the November 2023 referendum.

The bill now goes to Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

A House amendment to the bill will require a second vote on SB 628 either in a subsequent regular or special session of the General Assembly.

Sen. Lashrecse Aird, the bill’s sponsor, said she’s confident a Petersburg casino referendum will be on the ballot this November.

Source: Fantini’s Gaming Report