Virginia voters say yes to casino in City of Petersburg

A referendum to permit a casino in the City of Petersburg passed as part of Virginia’s election results on Tuesday.

Over 10,000 voters said yes (81.53%) to allow a casino in the city while over 2,000 said no (18.47%). The casino was first offered to Richmond in 2021 and again in 2023. Both referendums failed to pass in the state capital.

The referendum passed on Tuesday overwhelmingly in all seven wards of Petersburg. Ward 4 provided the least support for the casino with 78% saying yes.

From Richmond to Petersburg

Peterburg became an eligible host city for a casino on July 1 after Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed legislation approving the change. This was after Richmond voters rejected the idea twice.

Development of the $1.4 billion mixed-use gaming entertainment resort, named Live! Casino and Hotel Virginia, will be managed by Baltimore-based The Cordish Companies.

The Cordish Companies is a gaming and real estate development company that has developed locations such as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood and Tampa, Fla., Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Live! Casino & Hotel Pittsburgh, and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

Following the victory on Tuesday, Zed Smith, chief operating officer of The Cordish Companies, said, “This community has waited a long time for an economic development project of this size and scale, which will provide a huge boost for the city and the entire region.”

Cordish says the project will create thousands of jobs, increase tourism, and generate billions in economic benefits to the city and surrounding area.  The project site is ideally situated at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 with easy access on and off the East Coast’s major north-south interstate.

Upon completion, the resort will feature more than 400,000 square feet of gaming, hotel, and dining space, 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, an upscale 200-room hotel featuring 20 suites, a resort pool and fitness center, 1,600 slot machines, 46 table games, including a 15-table poker room, sportsbook, a 3,000-seat entertainment venue, as well as for meetings, conventions, and social gatherings, and eight food and entertainment options.

Plans for the proposed project include quickly opening a first-phase casino within a year of all applicable approvals to begin creating jobs. The casino would be built on a 92.5-acre development site located off Interstate 95 at Wagner Road along Brassfield Parkway.

Current Virginia Casinos

Two temporary and one permanent casino are currently open in Virginia. The temporary Bristol Casino opened in July 2022 followed by Rivers Casino Portsmouth in January 2023 as Virginia’s first permanent location. A second temporary location, Danville Casino, opened in May 2023.

Bristol Casino will become Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol following its grand opening on Nov. 14. In December, Danville Casino will expand to become a full resort known as Caesars Virginia. But the Commonwealth isn’t done yet.

Norfolk Casino

Last month, the City of Norfolk, along with Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming, and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe held a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on a $750 million casino resort in Norfolk.

Robert Gray, Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe told the audience they are ready to embark on a project that will make them more resilient and uplift the Norfolk community. The tribe first proposed a casino in Norfolk in 2018.

“We pursued opening a casino as a way to take control of our destiny, provide our own opportunities while also uplifting the community around us. And that's exactly what we intend to do,” Gray said.

The casino project, once titled HeadWaters Resort & Casino, was delayed several times due to design changes and disagreements between the tribe and city officials. Gray said those challenges “have nearly strengthened our relationship and our shared commitment bringing a best-in-market casino resort to Norfolk.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking, City of Norfolk Major Kenneth Alexander told attendees the casino project is the largest private investment in the city’s history.

“This project approved in 2020 by the voters, symbolizes the confidence in our city's future, not only as the epicenter, but more importantly, as the hub of economic activity and cultural significance in Hampton Roads, in partnership with Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian tribe,” Alexander said.

The Norfolk Casino will feature a 200-room hotel, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a casino floor big enough to accommodate 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games, eight restaurants and bars, a Spa Fitness Center, and more.

Alexander said the casino will generate $510 million in local economic impact during construction, 2,850 temporary jobs and $173 million in wages, $2.9 billion in economic impact upon completion, 850 permanent jobs, and $583 million in local wages.

Current plans call for a temporary casino to be up and running in October 2025 with the full resort complex following in October 2027. The casino will be located between the city’s Harbor Park baseball stadium and Amtrak Station at 200 Park Ave.

IT issue closes all Saratoga Casino Holdings locations

All Saratoga Casino Holdings (SCH) gaming properties are currently closed due to a computer issue, according to news reports.

Saratoga's Magnolia Bluffs Casino reported Friday they were experiencing IT issues. “We are working diligently to resolve the problem,” the casino said in a post on Facebook. “We will reopen as soon as possible.”

Located in Natchez, Miss., on the Mississippi River, Magnolia Bluffs Casino remained closed throughout the weekend.

“Magnolia Bluffs Casino will remain closed Sunday, November 3,” the company said in an update. “We will continue to update you as progress is being made to resolve the issue.” SCH acquired Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel from Casino Holding Investment Partners, LLC in October 2022.

Tim Morrissey, General Manager of Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, assumed the position of General Manager of Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel following the Saratoga acquisition in 2022. Morrissey was charged with overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations at the property to ensure the company continues to prosper and remains an integral part of the Natchez community.

SCH also owns Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colo. Both locations are also closed due to IT issues.

Saratoga Casino Black Hawk said on Facebook they will remain closed through Monday, November 4. “Our IT team has made progress on resolving the issue and we hope to open as soon as possible. We will continue to update you as progress is made and we hope to see you soon. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience.”

SCH is a family-owned and operated business.

Century Casinos opens new resort in Caruthersville, Missouri

Century Casinos, Inc. announced Friday that it has opened its new land-based casino and hotel in Caruthersville, Mo.

The 26,000-square-foot casino offers 599 slot machines and nine live tables, a restaurant, a bar, and a total of 74 hotel rooms. The company noted a 50% increase in gaming positions with the full resort now open compared to the temporary casino location.

The development cost of $51.9 million was funded through VICI Properties Inc. VICI owns the real estate improvements associated with the Caruthersville project.

"We are excited about the completion of the transformation of the Century Casino & Hotel in Caruthersville from the last remaining riverboat on the Mississippi River and a temporary location in a small pavilion during the last two years, to a full destination resort,” said Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger, co-chief executive officers of Century Casinos, in a company press release.

Haitzmann and Hoetzinger said the casino now has a proper gaming floor, restaurant, bar, hotel rooms, and RV park.

"The new resort will provide much improved and more convenient entertainment experiences, and we look forward to attracting customers from further into Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas," the co-CEOs said.

Officials break ground for $750 million casino resort in Norfolk

A group of gaming officials, city leaders, and Indian tribal members took a big step forward on Wednesday breaking ground that will begin construction of a $750 million casino resort in the City of Norfolk. Speakers at the event forecasted the casino resort would help economic growth in the Tidewater Virginia area.

The Norfolk casino project has been lagging behind three casinos already operating in the Commonwealth, the first one opening in July 2022.

“Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Norfolk about to embark on a project that will make us more resilient and uplift our communities, both the tribe and Norfolk,” said Robert Gray, Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. The tribe first proposed a casino in Norfolk in 2018. “We pursued opening a casino as a way to take control of our destiny, provide our own opportunities while also uplifting the community around us. And that's exactly what we intend to do.” But Gray did acknowledge there were challenges along the way.

The casino project, once titled HeadWaters Resort & Casino, was delayed several times due to design changes and disagreements between the tribe and city officials.

“There have been challenges along the way,” Gray added, “but I stand here today able to say that those challenges have nearly strengthened our relationship and our shared commitment bringing a best-in-market casino resort to Norfolk.” During Wednesday’s groundbreaking event, the facility was simply referred to as Norfolk Casino, dropping the HeadWaters Resort & Casino name.

Gray also thanked Norfolk residents who support the proposed casino.

“They have been supportive of our casino from day one,” Gray said, “following a resounding endorsement back in November 2020 on the referendum, their enthusiasm for this project has not wavered.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking, City of Norfolk Major Kenneth Alexander told attendees the casino project is the largest private investment in the city’s history.

“This project approved in 2020 by the voters, symbolizes the confidence in our city's future, not only as the epicenter, but more importantly, as the hub of economic activity and cultural significance in Hampton Roads, in partnership with Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian tribe,” Alexander said.

The $750 million Norfolk Casino will feature a 200-room hotel, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a casino floor big enough to accommodate 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games, eight restaurants and bars, a Spa Fitness Center, and more.

Alexander said the casino will generate $510 million in local economic impact during construction, 2,850 temporary jobs and $173 million in wages, $2.9 billion in economic impact upon completion, 850 permanent jobs, and $583 million in local wages.

“This legacy project will create new revenue, enhance city services, improve public infrastructure, revitalize neighborhoods, and pave the way for a brighter future for Norfolk,” Alexander added.

The casino venture is under development between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, City of Norfolk, and Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming Corp. Boyd joined the project recently to spearhead the development.

“We've been in business for nearly 50 years now, and we serve 20 separate communities across the country,” Boyd Gaming President and CEO Keith Smith told the audience on Wednesday. “Today, we celebrate joining our 21st community nationwide, the Hampton Roads region, and the City of Norfolk.” Boyd has a thriving family of 28 gaming resorts nationwide.

Current plans call for a temporary casino to be up and running in October 2025 with the full resort complex following in October 2027. The casino will be located between the city’s Harbor Park baseball stadium and Amtrak Station at 200 Park Ave.

New high-limit slot area at Caesars Atlantic City

Elevate your slot experience at Caesars Atlantic City's new enhanced high-limit room. The area features an all-new layout with 37 latest slots and a beautiful chandelier.

You can play and move comfortably from your favorite slot machines in a more open space, and order drinks directly from your game. Plus, as of September, auto-deposit is now available.

Download your funds onto one machine. When you want to move, pull out your card, and your funds will auto-deposit back to your account.

When you’re ready for a break from the casino action, enjoy delicious dining at restaurants like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, and Nobu Atlantic City, or relax and rejuvenate at the luxurious Qua Spa & Baths.

Sporttrade sports betting app now live in Virginia

Philadelphia-based sports betting operator Sporttrade announced on Thursday it is now live in Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia becomes the fifth U.S. state to welcome Sporttrade.

"We are incredibly proud to keep the Fall 2024 momentum going with our launch in the Commonwealth" said Alex Kane, Sporttrade Founder and CEO. "There is an appetite for premium betting in Virginia, for significantly better prices at higher limits, for instant in-play betting, and a mobile experience that's sleek and intuitive.

"Sporttrade is becoming the home of in-game betting, where players are able to place and cash out of bets, frictionlessly, as the probabilities shift," said Kane. "Thank you to the Virginia Lottery, thank you to our players, partners, and investors, and most of all, I want to thank the Sporttrade family of employees."

Qualified and eligible players will be able to place bets starting today in Virginia on the Sporttrade iOS application while plans to launch on Android are set for later this year.

Sporttrade joins 11 other sports betting operators currently operating in the Old Dominion; Bally Bet, bet365, BetMGM, Betr Sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and Hard Rock Bet.

Virginia has a huge appetite for sports betting. In August alone sports bettors in the Commonwealth wagered over $416 million on events. The $416 million wagered in August 2024 is 30.6% higher than in August 2023.

Since its launch in January 2021, sports bettors in Virginia have wagered over $17 billion on events.

New Rose Gaming Resort now open in Dumfries, Virginia

With no advance notice or opening date announcement, Churchill Downs quietly notified its existing customers on Wednesday that its new gaming resort in Dumfries, Va., is now open.

“We’re thrilled to announce that the gaming floor at The Rose Gaming Resort is officially open,” the company said in an email to customers. “Come experience the excitement firsthand as we welcome our first guests.” But the resort warns services are “limited” as the location builds up to a grand opening next month.

“Please note, we are currently offering limited food & beverage options while we work on expanding our dining experiences,” the company said. “We appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to see you soon. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build towards our Grand Opening on November 7.”

Delays

The new gambling site is managed by Colonial Downs and Churchill Downs. Churchill Downs became the parent company of Colonial Downs in 2022 and is now managing the Rose Gaming Resort. After several delays, the company finally set a schedule to have the new facility open in late fall this year. No opening date was ever announced until now.

Before Churchill Downs was involved in the project, Colonial Downs Group planned to open the gaming floor in October 2023 and the hotel in January 2024.

In February, the Town of Dumfries approved a “proffer” amendment that allowed Churchill Downs to add additional games at the resort located in Prince William County. The facility is located on the side of the former Potomac Landfill bordered by Virginia Route 234 and Interstate 95. The groundbreaking was held in January 2022 and was expected to be open by now.

Without the gaming resort open, the town was unable to gain tax revenue. To contribute to the shortfall in tax revenue, Churchill Downs made a financial offer to the Town of Dumfries and increased the number of gaming machines in the facility.

The new resort has a hotel, restaurants, special event space, and a gaming floor packed with Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines for gamblers. Although the hotel will not be open to the public at this time, the resort said in their email on Wednesday.

Historical Horse Racing Machines

HHR machines are very similar to traditional casino slot machines but determine a win differently. Winning jackpots on a HHR machine are determined by randomly selecting a horse race from a historical database to see if the player wins. Wins on standard casino slot machines are determined by a Random Number Generator or RNG.

The resort says all 1,650 HHR games are available to play including Ultimate Fire Link, Devil's Lock, Buffalo games, Rakin' Bacon, and more.

Guests visiting the new resort can enter the Million Dollar Sweepstakes contest for a chance to win up to $1 million in cash on Nov. 30.