Expanding casinos in the state of Virginia is going to happen as voters in four cities approved gaming venue plans. A casino question posted on the ballot this week in Danville, Bristol, Norfolk and Portsmouth asked residents if they would approve a Las Vegas-style casino in their hometown. Voters were approving and all four projects should move ahead as planned. In Richmond, the residents will be voting at a later date.
Hard Rock Casino Coming to Bristol
Earlier this year, Hard Rock International was approved by the City Council in Bristol to create a casino in the city. The company plans to spend $400 million to create a resort at a former mall location. The project received an overwhelming response after early results with over 5,500 votes in favor to just over 2,200 against.
The new casino is expected to bring as many as 2,000 jobs to the area once it is open. Tax revenues of $15 million to $20 million are expected to help the city from the operations of the casino. The property will be huge, featuring 100 table games, 2,700 slots and a sportsbook.
Overwhelming Response in Norfolk
In Norfolk, over 65% of voters approved the Pamunkey Tribe Casino. The plans for this complex include a casino and a hotel, with a $500 million price tag. The property will offer a gaming facility with a hotel featuring 300 guest rooms. There will also be a restaurant, sports bar, café, and spa.
Over six million visitors are expected to visit the property each year. Gaming and sales taxes have been estimated at $26 million to $31 million on the high end each year. As the project is being constructed, as many as 2,000 jobs will be provided. Once the casino is up and running, 2,500 full time positions should be on offer.
Huge Support in Danville
Residents in Danville are also ready to see a casino in their neck of the wood. Over 13,000 residents voted in approval for a casino constructed by Caesars Entertainment. Just under 6,000 people voted against.
Caesars plans to spend around $400 million on the casino property and will hire around 1,300 people to work at the property. A hotel and casino will be constructed at an industrial complex located in Schoolfield. The operator will pay $5 million for the site and $15 million up front to be able to provide casino gaming in Danville.
Rush Street Approved in Portsmouth
Residents in Portsmouth have approved Rush Street Gaming to create a casino in their city. Around 67% of voters were in approval of this project. A casino complex will be constructed along I-264 and will cost $300 million to complete. The venue will be titled Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The casino will be home to a poker room, table games and slot machines. A hotel will also be located onsite along with a conference center. Around 1,300 or more permanent jobs are expected to come to the area with the opening of the property. Rush Street estimates that the facility will generate just over $16 million in yearly tax revenues for Portsmouth.
