Virginia Circuit Judge Sage B. Johnson signed an order July 17 adding a casino referendum to the upcoming ballot in Bristol.
Although the general election will be held November 3, a new Virginia law allows “no-excuse absentee voting” by mail and in-person early voting starting September 18. It’s the culmination of a two-year effort to legalize gaming in the state.
The ballot question will read: “Shall casino gaming be permitted at a casino gaming establishment in Bristol, Virginia at 500 Gate City Hwy., as may be approved by the Virginia Lottery Board? Yes. No.”
This election will be the first time extended early voting will be allowed in Virginia, as the Bristol city hall and other government buildings are closed due to Covid-19.
General Registrar Penny Limburg anticipates a record turnout. “I think the combination of the how the presidential race is shaping up and the casino… will be a big driver in turnout,” she said.
If voters approve the casino, developers and operators must then undergo a lengthy review during the license application process, according to lottery officials.
Bristol is one of five cities authorized by legislation to develop a casino. Earlier this month, the Virginia Lottery Board pre-certified Hard Rock International, the United Company, Par Ventures and H.R. Bristol LLC, as qualified and capable of operating a gaming business. Hard Rock Bristol is anticipated to create 2,000 jobs and generate $15 million to $20 million annually for the city in tax revenue, in addition to the city’s share of gaming tax revenue.
The “Vote Yes for Bristol” committee recently was formed to promote voting for the casino in the referendum. The group issued a statement, saying, “In the coming months, the committee will engage directly with local residents to answer questions and provide information about the project which will generate thousands of new good paying jobs; millions in new tax revenue for schools, first responders and infrastructure; and spur billions in economic development across the region.”
The Virginia Lottery Board also recently pre-certified the Pamunkey Indian tribe as the preferred operator in Norfolk, Caesar’s Entertainment in Danville and Rush Street Gaming in Portsmouth. Richmond officials have not as yet selected a preferred operator.
Developers of Rivers Casino Portsmouth recently released renderings of the proposed property. Portsmouth Economic Development Director Robert D. Moore said the location off Victory Boulevard “is the center of Portsmouth. This is really the center of Hampton Roads so it makes sense to have a casino right here.”
The venue will feature a casino with slots, table games and poker, plus several dining options, a hotel and conference center. It’s expected to create 1,400 construction jobs and 1,300 permanent positions. “You have the opportunity now to increase the quality of life for someone in the city of Portsmouth,” Moore said.
Portsmouth Mayor John Rowe said the casino hotel will generate $16 million in annual new revenue. When he looked at the renderings of the project, he said, “It was very exciting, I got goosebumps.”
