In just two and a half minutes, the Petersburg City Council unanimously approved a bill asking the Petersburg Circuit Court to approve a referendum on introducing casino games into the city. A decisive 7-0 vote took place Monday morning, another major milestone on the way to the high-profile casino project coming to fruition.
City officials who wasted their time right away
On July 9, the Virginia Lottery Board, which oversees the state’s gaming industry, sent a letter to the city administration approving Petersburg’s request to hold a referendum. The city council’s follow-up meeting at the Petersburg Public Library was attended by only one citizen, and the rest of the audience was comprised of city staff, media, and police, acting as security.
Deputy Mayor Darin Hill, who represents District 2, where the proposed casino resort is scheduled to begin pending voter approval in November, proudly proposed a motion to approve the measure. Fellow lawmakers wasted no time in taking the resolution to the court, and within 2 1/2 minutes, the resolution was taken to the court. The motion was signed by Petersburg Circuit Court Judge Dennis Martin hours later. 에볼루션 바카라사이트
After this vote, the court in Petersburg must approve the referendum until it is voted on Nov. 5. The referendum will ask voters if they are in favor of building a new casino game facility in the city of Petersburg, which provides gambling services. The vote will provide “yes” and “no” check boxes so that voters can indicate their decision.
The casino project is on track
Maryland-based casino developers The Cordish Companies and Virginia-based Bruce Smith Enterprises have partnered to invest $597 million in the project, which features a casino, hotel, and entertainment complex on a 92-acre site just off Wagner Road in southern Petersburg. The investment includes a temporary casino that the group will build on site if the referendum passes, aiming to open in late 2025.
According to various stakeholders, the project will significantly boost Petersburg’s economy, offering employment opportunities to around 7,500 people and an average of $70,000 a year in rewards, including benefits and tips. After Richmond voters rejected gambling in two different referendums, the city replaced Richmond as one of five casino locations approved in Virginia.
Stakeholders and residents will closely monitor the outcome of the upcoming vote as Petersburg nears the future of a potential casino. After a successful referendum, the state’s General Assembly will hold one final vote, marking the official start of the project and potentially bringing economic growth, job creation, and increased tourism to the region.
