Early voting for a controversial $1.7 billion casino proposal in Richmond, Virginia began Friday, September 22. Voters narrowly rejected the project in 2021. Several changes have occurred since then.
First, Churchill Downs has entered the picture as a 50/50 partner with developer Urban One. Originally the project was named One Casino and Resort, but it’s since been rebranded to Richmond Grand Resort and Casino.
In the 2021 campaign, Urban One emphasized that the property would be the only Black-owned casino in the U.S. Now, however, developers told the Axios news website they hope the new name will draw on local pride and Churchill’s involvement.
In addition, Michael Kelly, a spokesman for the developers, said, “The Richmond Grand name just helps better connect the project to the city it’s going to be in.”
Another change from the last campaign is this time developers are holding a series of informational meetings scheduled ahead of the vote. The first was held Monday, September 18.
Urban One Chief Executive Officer Alfred Liggins told attendees, “The new approach is to touch as many people as possible with the most information so people can be informed about what this project actually is. We want them to have an opportunity to ask us questions, concerns, issues, but also to really be specific and granular about the amenities related to this resort casino project and why it’s good for all of Richmond.”
At the meeting, developers explained the project would create 1,300 jobs paying about $55,000 a year plus benefits and generate a minimum of $30 million in annual tax revenue for the city.
A striking difference this year is the money behind the campaign. In 2021, casino supporters spent $2.6 million on the referendum. This year, developers have spent a record $8.1 million; last month, Urban One contributed $3.9 million and Churchill Downs gave $3.1 million. These donations to the pro-casino PAC are the largest single corporate contributions in the state’s history, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP).
That level of funding allows casino supporters to saturate the region in ads, mailers and more leading up to the election. Additionally, Kelly said, “We’re engaging in real, 2-way conversations with Richmonders in every neighborhood in the city, which requires resources, but it’s worth it to make sure citizens know the positive impacts of this new project and the many citywide benefits it will deliver.”
In contrast, the anti-casino PAC, No Means No Casino, raised slightly more than $142,000 so far, per VPAP, mostly contributed by local philanthropists Jim and Barbara Ukrop and political activist Paul Goldman.
An opposition leader, David Dominique, told Axios, “This time around, my fear is that the grassroots interests won’t have the resources and energy to put up the same kind of fight, but the moneyed interests and politicians do. That’s why I see this as an unfair fight.” Opponents argue instead of boosting the local economy, the casino will take wealth from the community and cannibalize business from existing companies.
Last time, developers did not specify where casino tax revenue would be directed. Now Mayor Levar Stoney has proposed using half of those funds for preschools and early childhood education initiatives. Stoney said, “I’m hoping that people who want the city to be a city that supports children come out and vote yes.”
However, casino opponent Allan-Charles Chipman noted Stoney soon will leave office; his successor and future city council members will determine how tax revenue is spent. Chipman told Axios that Stoney is misleading the public by “acting as if he can bind the future budget of a future council and mayor.”
