Virginia Looks to Approve Casino Operation

The state of Virginia could become the next US region to legalize casino activity. The authorization of casinos will come with the construction of gambling facilities in five cities around the state. The State Senate committee has just approved the legislation on gambling expansion starting from February 4. The voters in five locations including Richmond, Norfolk, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville will organize a referendum on the possible authorization of casino operation. The same Bill will be considered in Virginia House as well.

More on Virginia Situation

Virginia is one of the American states which prohibits casinos from the operation. Over the previous years, the state has been looking to change the situation and legalize the activity. The first move towards authorization was taken in 2018 when the Colonial Downs horseracing track in New Kent County was bought for reopening purposes. It was followed by Revolutionary Racing Group action which looked to return racing in the state.

The previous purchase has occurred after the General Assembly has allowed gambling at the Colonial Downs track and endorsed off-track betting possibility all over the state. This opened a possibility for casino additiona all around Virginia ground.

Casino supporters are aware of the potential benefits of future casino resorts. All the new casino properties will bring huge economic perks for the state together with the opening of new job positions. New venues will also lead to the introduction of higher tax revenues for both the state and nearby cities.

Commenting on the potential legalization, the chief sponsor of the legislation and the General Assembly’s leading supporter of gambling legalization, Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, said:

“Just give us an opportunity to determine our own destiny.”

Potential Issues

Virginia casino addition is not supported by the entire community. According to the opinion of Conservative groups, casinos will supply significant revenue to rich developers while harming poor communities in the state. A lobbyist for the Family Foundation, Todd Gathje, observed:

“These are the people the gaming industry targets.”

At the moment, local lawmakers are not interested in opening casino venues in the northern part of the state. The officials believe that the latter part of the state is densely populated and could face competition issues. As a reminder, grandiose MGM Resorts International unveiled a $1.4 billion resort in Maryland, situated across the river from Virginia line. For these reasons, legislators don't believe in the success of the project.

Lawmakers look to compose legislation that will determine the number of allowed casinos throughout the state. Jim McGlothlin is interested in building Hard Rock casino and resort in Bristol. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe, on the other side, is aiming to commence casino projects in Richmond and Norfolk.

Source:

“Virginia close to permitting casinos“, calvinayre.com, February 6, 2020.