The Virginia Senate voted 29-10 to approve SB 628, authorizing Petersburg as the state’s fifth casino-host city. In previous years, similar legislation stopped at the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee. This year, however, the bill, sponsored by state Senators Louis Lucas and Lashrecse Aird, picked up bipartisan support with 10 Republican Senators joining 19 Democrats. The measure now will be taken up in the House of Delegates.
Petersburg spokesman Joanne Williams told the Progress-Index, “The city greatly appreciates Senator Aird’s hard work in moving Senate Bill 628 through the Senate. We know she will continue her dedication to giving citizens the opportunity to vote on this major economic development opportunity of Petersburg.”
Under the measure, Petersburg would be allowed to replace Richmond, where voters twice rejected a casino. It revises poverty and unemployment rates, among other requirements, for economically challenged cities to hold a voter referendum on bringing in a casino. The bill also prevents Richmond from holding a casino referendum for three years.
If the legislation passes the House and is signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, a casino referendum could be held in November. The Petersburg city council previously approved an ordinance allowing a casino and has begun the search for a casino operator.
Casinos were approved by voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth. Three of those cities have opened casinos.
