Two Native American tribes—the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—are working toward opening casinos in Virginia, where both the House and Senate recently passed legislation for the second year allowing casino gambling.
The Pamunkey Tribe’s proposed $350 million casino resort in Richmond seems to have a better chance of becoming a reality than the Eastern Band’s Bristol proposal.
The legislation passed by both chambers requires Richmond, and Norfolk, where the Pamunkey tribe also is eyeing a casino, “to provide substantial and preferred consideration” to the tribe’s proposals. Besides those two cities, the legislation also authorizes casinos in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Danville. The Virginia Lottery will regulate the casinos. Both bills require a voter referendum for approval and a minimum investment of $250 million.
Originally, the House bill called for Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s request for a competitive process. Los Angeles-based Pacific Entertainment, owner of Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent County and three Rosie’s Gambling Emporium, had proposed a Richmond casino. The Rosie’s operation in Richmond has been taking in $70 million in monthly gross revenues, according to the Virginia Racing Commission.
However, state Delegate Jeff M. Bourne of Richmond defied Stoney’s request, and filed an amendment eliminating the possibility of a bid from Pacific Entertainment, leaving the Pamunkey Tribe, with the backing of a Tennessee billionaire, with the sole proposal for Richmond.
The Eastern Band has proposed a casino resort on 350 acres along Interstate 81, adjacent to the Pinnacle retail complex, which is near but not within the Bristol city limits; therefore, under the language of the current House and Senate bills, the location would not qualify as a possible casino site. The venue also would offer an outdoor concert venue, recreational facilities and a hotel with an indoor water park.
Principal Chief Richard Sneed stated, “The bill as it is currently drafted does not allow for fair market competition. The EBCI is merely asking for the opportunity to bid on a license. We are confident in our ability to provide a quality product that suits the needs of Washington County residents.”
The proposal that would fit the parameters of the legislation is the $400 million Hard Rock Bristol. Developers Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacey describe their venue as “family friendly” with 600 hotel rooms and a large concert hall. They have criticized the Eastern Band as an “out-of-state casino owner” trying “at the eleventh hour” to protect its own interests. However, they said it is “really doubtful at this point” that the tribe’s project will come to pass.
Sneed, however, said, “It is our hope that the legislators see the value in having a competitive bid process for the dispersal of the commercial gaming licenses. It is the best avenue forward to ensure fairness in the process and the best possible product for the people of Virginia.”
The House bill, introduced by state Del. Barry D. Knight passed on February 11 with a vote of 61-33′ it’s now in the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology. The Senate version, introduced by state Senator L. Louise Lucas also passed on February 11 in a 29-11 vote; it’s now in the House Committee on General Laws.
