Supporters of casinos in Bristol and Norfolk, Virginia are making moves to expedite developments in the two cities.
In Bristol, a new political action committee (PAC), Betting on Virginia Jobs, donated $311,500 to 50 state Senate and House campaigns in August and
September, according to Virginia Public Access Project data.
The PAC was established by the United Company President Jim McGlothin and Par Ventures Chief Executive Officer Clyde Stacy, who each contributed $50,000 to set up the PAC. Since then, the two men have donated $450,000 to it, individually or through their companies; United Company gave $225,000, Stacy contributed $125,000 and Par Ventures gave $100,000. Also, Bristol Casino Resort has hired eight registered lobbyists.
Earlier, state legislators gave preliminary approval to the $250 million Bristol Resort and Casino, along with casinos in Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond. Each would require a local referendum and the legislation must be re-enacted by the legislature. Legislators also are awaiting the results of an extensive study on the impacts of casino gambling, scheduled to be released in December, which was included in the preliminary measure.
In a statement, the developers said, “We know first-hand the significant challenges our local economy faces. These contributions help make sure our elected officials in Richmond also understand these challenges and the importance of finding solutions to these issues. This project will benefit residents in Bristol and across Southwest Virginia by bringing much-needed new jobs and additional tax revenue to the region. The PAC was formed for those interested in helping advocate for bringing jobs and economic development to the cities contemplated in the legislation allowing for casinos.”
The 90,000-square-foot casino would be located in the vacant Bristol Mall and would provide 5,200 new jobs, the developer said. According to the proposal, the designated cities and surrounding regions would receive additional tax revenue from the casinos. Analysts have estimated the Bristol casino would provide $26.8 million in annual tax dollars to the city.
The developers have projected the casino would generate $150 million in revenue in its first year of operation, with non-gaming revenue at $106 million.
In Norfolk, the city council approved selling waterfront property to the Pamunkey Tribe for a $700 million casino resort. But organizers of a petition drive to reverse that action recently said they had collected 3,500 of the necessary 4,000 valid signatures from registered local voters. The deadline to turn in the signatures was October 25. If the requirements are met, a city-wide referendum would be hld.
Some citizens are concerned about a new website created by the All In for Norfolk Casino organization, supporting the Pamunkey casino. The website seems to have been created by local residents; it lists eight as its “leadership,” including a Pamunkey tribal member. However, the website actually was generated by Richmond lobbying and public affairs firm Capital Results, which has represented the Pamunkey tribe since at least last year. The firm claims it uses “grassroots campaigns ”to “develop credibility for an issue campaign.”
Jay Smith, a partner at Capital Results, said the tribe “has not tried to hide the fact” it’s behind All In for Norfolk Casino. He noted, “The tribe is supporting this project and believes it’s important to have a voice.” Smith pointed out the All In for Norfolk Casino website and the one registered by the anti-casino petitioners NoNorfolkCasino.org both are owned by Contact Privacy Inc., which lists a Toronto address.
