Richmond casino plans get the go-ahead

The city council of Richmond in the US state of Virginia has recommended the approval of a modified proposal for a casino in the south of the city.

If this is successful, a ballot measure could take place in the autumn, two years after voters narrowly defeated a proposed casino in November 2021.

City studies indicated that the $562.5m development would create 1,300 jobs in south Richmond. Detractors argue that a casino would harm the area’s most vulnerable people and contribute to gambling addiction.

RVA Entertainment Holdings, a collaboration between Urban ONE, a media and entertainment company, and Churchill Downs, a casino and horse track operator, would be the city’s casino gaming operator. May 2026 is the targeted opening for the gaming facility of the resort.