Possible Vote on Casino in Petersburg, VA, Comes Further Into Focus

Last week witnessed a shift in the odds of a casino establishment in Petersburg after the Virginia General Assembly's March 9 adjournment.

A decisive 78-18 vote in the House of Delegates propelled Senate Bill 628, aiming to designate Petersburg as a host city for a commercial casino resort. Following this, the Senate engaged in a 24-16 vote to affirm the House's change and pass the bill.

While the Virginia Senate had initially endorsed the legislation with a 29-10 vote on February 9, a new development emerged. House lawmakers introduced an amendment mandating a second vote during a "subsequent regular or special session."

This twist prevented SB 628 from promptly advancing to Governor Glenn Youngkin's desk for approval and subsequently to the November election ballot.

Key legislative developments:

• The new provision delays Petersburg’s casino initiative until the next year or a special legislative session.

• Governor Glenn Youngkin may call a special session this spring to finalize critical legislation.

• City officials and casino supporters remain hopeful that this session will revive the proposal.

This tradition of special sessions—especially after even-numbered years with biennial budgets—could provide a pivotal opportunity.

Governor Youngkin, following precedent, called a special session in 2022 after reviewing the proposed budget. He is currently reviewing the $188 billion 2024–26 budget and legislation for a $2 billion sports arena in Alexandria—decisions that carry major financial implications for Virginia taxpayers.

Political maneuvering and influence:

• Senate Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, known as Virginia’s “casino lady,” co-sponsors the Petersburg casino bill alongside Senator Lashrecse Aird.

• Lucas shifted her position following Senator Joseph Morrissey’s removal, now supporting Petersburg after Richmond’s repeated rejections.

• If lawmakers reconvene and SB 628 gains support, the bill will move to Governor Youngkin for potential approval.

Youngkin has expressed openness to endorsing a Petersburg casino. Should the bill pass, voters in the November election would have the final say on the casino resort.

Planned casino project details:

• The city council will oversee a competitive bid process to finalize project elements.

• Petersburg’s RFP (Request for Proposals) seeks:

  • 500 hotel rooms

  • A casino, restaurants, retail space, and concert venue

  • An upfront developer payment of $60 million

• The referendum will include all specifics, and if a majority votes “yes,” the casino will be officially authorized.

If approved, the Petersburg casino project could mark a transformative moment for the city—ushering in new jobs, tourism, and investment, while reaffirming Virginia’s growing footprint in the national gaming industry.