The city of Richmond, Virginia has opened to the possibility of building a resort casino in the area. The River City currently has six proposals currently pending, each one coming from different companies vying for a license in the city. Venues are already reserved for several of them.
The Six Casino Proposals
Licenses for operating a casino have been offered way back in December 2020. Many companies have given their proposals but only a total of six are in a promising state to be granted.
Bally’s Corporation and Golden Nugget
Bally’s Corporation and Golden Nugget aim to build at the same places which put them in conflict with each other. Both companies propose a hotel, casino, versatile event space and a
stadium to take full advantage of the size of the lot. Out of all the proposals, Bally’s Corporation and Golden Nugget’s are bound to be the largest.
viewthevibe.com – The Proposals for a Resort Casino in Richmond
The Golden Nugget also aims to operate browser-based casinos for online slots in Virginia. For now, they only have a license for Michigan and New Jersey. Aside from Virginia, proposals for other states are still pending.
Cordish Companies
The Cordish Companies is another giant entity of entertainment operation in the United States. The proposal was reserved for 1301 N Arthur Ashe Blvd. of North Richmond. The plan includes a casino, hotel, and entertainment venue by the corner of Arthur Ashe Boulevard and West Leigh Street.
Urban One
Urban One wishes to dedicate over $517 million to build the casino resort at Walmsley Boulevard & Interstate 95 in South Richmond. The plan includes a luxury hotel, a theatre with 3,000 seats, and a variety of black-owned restaurants. It will also include the Black History and Culture Museum in honour of the community’s struggles and accomplishments over the years.
Wind Creek Hospitality
Wind Creek Hospitality is a resort and casino company authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The group aims to establish at 1401 Commerce Road of South Richmond with a $541 million budget. The project includes hotel towers, spa, indoor pool, and fitness centre. There is also a plan for a large family-friendly entertainment centre. The casino gaming pace will have 2,500 slot machines and 120 table games.
Pamunkey Indian Tribe
The Pamunkey Indian Tribe reserved 5000 & 5050 Commerce Road of South Richmond for a project with a $350 million budget. The casino resort planned will include a spa, a 300-room hotel, an indoor fitness centre, and a rooftop pool. Restaurants will vary between fine dining and fast-casual. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe once had an internal conflict as the former chief was against the idea of the community being involved in the casino industry. The tribe made a successful proposal in February 2021.
Possible Impact of a Resort Casino in the Neighborhood
The idea of a local land-based casino did split the community. However, the decision reached is in favour of allowing such business to run in the city because of many factors. Firstly, each land-based casino will open 1,500 to 2,000 permanent jobs for the citizens of Richmond. Secondly, each casino can bring multi-million dollar worth of tax revenue to the city.
The state of Virginia does allow offshore casinos to welcome players from the state but access to online slots is not the biggest appeal for opening casinos in Richmond. The greatest appeal is that it gives the people of Richmond new job opportunities and revenue for the city. As of March 2021, proposals are still pending. Members of the community are voting for whether or not these proposals should be accepted.
