Richmond City Council has approved One Casino + Resort as the city’s preferred operator for a proposed casino resort project in South Richmond, meaning the proposal will now be voted on by residents of the city.
The deal now moves to the Virginia Lottery Board for pre-certification, and if successful then a referendum will be held on 2 November, after approval from the Circuit Court. If voters approve the casino, then it may be built.
The council approved the proposal after Mayor Levar Stoney introduced a motion to do so. The council must also vote on a Host Community Arrangement, as part of the deal, however. This is scheduled ot occur at some point this summer.
Mayor Stoney said: “ONE Casino + Resort is a $562.5 million project that will create 1,300 well-paying jobs with benefits in South Richmond, and every Richmond resident will benefit from the new revenue created by the project.”
“The City Council’s vote tonight paves the way for every voting Richmond resident to have their voice heard on this important project.”
One Casino + Resort beat out operators including Bally’s Corporation and Live! Casino & Hotel from the Cordish Companies to secure the deal for a casino in Richmond.
Steps to build a casino in Richmond started with the passage of a bill to expand gaming in the state, through five land-based casinos and legal sports betting.