Virginia, October 16, 2025
A city in Virginia is advocating for the development of a new casino resort aimed at increasing tourism and boosting local revenue. This proposal faces a series of legislative approvals and concerns from community stakeholders regarding its potential impact on local life and infrastructure. As discussions unfold, the city aims to address these concerns while paving the way for a project that could transform the local economy.
Petersburg, Virginia, Advances $1.4 Billion Casino Resort Project
Petersburg, Virginia is moving forward with a significant development project aimed at boosting local tourism and revenue. The city council and planning commission have unanimously approved zoning permits for the Live! Casino Resort, a multi-phase venture co-developed by The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise. This approval marks a crucial step in the construction of the $1.4 billion resort, which is set to begin in phases, starting with the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia.
Economic Impact and Project Details
The Live! Casino Resort is projected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region. Over its first 15 years, the project is expected to:
- Generate $3.6 billion in economic stimulus to the region.
- Provide $675 million in gaming tax revenues, including $214 million to the City of Petersburg.
- Contribute $350 million in economic spend during construction.
- Offer $220 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening.
- Create over 4,000 new construction and permanent jobs.
The resort will feature more than 670,000 square feet of gaming, hotel, dining, and entertainment space, including:
- An upscale 200-room hotel with 20 suites, a resort pool, and a fitness center.
- Over 2,000 slots and electronic table games, along with 60 live-action table games, including poker.
- A sportsbook.
- A state-of-the-art event center for top-name entertainment, meetings, conventions, and social gatherings.
Background Context
The approval of the Live! Casino Resort follows a series of developments in Virginia’s gaming industry. In 2020, the state legislature authorized the establishment of casinos in select cities, including Petersburg. The Live! Casino Resort is part of a broader effort to revitalize Petersburg and stimulate economic growth in the region. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant tax revenue, contributing to the city’s financial stability and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Live! Casino Resort project in Petersburg, Virginia?
The Live! Casino Resort is a multi-phase development project co-developed by The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise. It is a $1.4 billion resort featuring gaming, hotel accommodations, dining, and entertainment facilities, aimed at boosting local tourism and revenue in Petersburg, Virginia.
What are the expected economic benefits of the Live! Casino Resort?
Over its first 15 years, the Live! Casino Resort is projected to generate $3.6 billion in economic stimulus to the region, provide $675 million in gaming tax revenues (including $214 million to the City of Petersburg), contribute $350 million in economic spend during construction, offer $220 million in annual economic benefits each year after opening, and create over 4,000 new construction and permanent jobs.
What amenities will the Live! Casino Resort offer?
The resort will feature more than 670,000 square feet of gaming, hotel, dining, and entertainment space, including an upscale 200-room hotel with 20 suites, a resort pool, and a fitness center; over 2,000 slots and electronic table games, along with 60 live-action table games, including poker; a sportsbook; and a state-of-the-art event center for top-name entertainment, meetings, conventions, and social gatherings.
When is the Live! Casino Resort expected to open?
The Live! Casino Resort is scheduled to be developed in phases, with the first phase, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, expected to open in 2026. The entire project is anticipated to be completed in subsequent phases, with the final phase expected to open in the following years.
How will the Live! Casino Resort impact Petersburg’s economy?
The Live! Casino Resort is expected to significantly boost Petersburg’s economy by generating billions in economic stimulus, providing substantial tax revenues, creating thousands of jobs, and contributing to the city’s financial stability and development.
Key Features of the Live! Casino Resort Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $1.4 billion |
| Economic Impact (First 15 Years) | $3.6 billion in economic stimulus |
| Gaming Tax Revenues | $675 million, including $214 million to Petersburg |
| Construction Economic Spend | $350 million |
| Annual Economic Benefits (Post-Opening) | $220 million |
| New Jobs Created | Over 4,000 construction and permanent jobs |
| Hotel Accommodations | 200-room hotel with 20 suites |
| Gaming Facilities | Over 2,000 slots and electronic table games, 60 live-action table games, including poker |
| Event Center | State-of-the-art venue for entertainment, meetings, conventions, and social gatherings |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
