PETERSBURG – A new temporary casino, set to resemble one employed in Danville, is set to open in Petersburg by the end of 2025, as reported by The Progress-Index. This temporary casino will significantly expand the gambling landscape in Virginia, which has seen a growing interest in casino-style gaming in the past few years.
Crews broke ground for the $1.4 billion Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia off Interstate 95 and Wagner Road on March 19, 2025, the same day that preparations began for the prefabricated building that will house the temporary casino. With a planned area of 75,000 square feet, this future hotspot will offer 900 slot machines and 33 gaming tables, providing a range of options for gaming enthusiasts.
Unlike many makeshift casinos, the design and experience in Petersburg aim to reflect the brand's identity. Andy Poarch, a spokesperson for Cordish/Bruce Smith Enterprise, clarified that although they are working with the same company that supplied the temporary setup in Danville, “it will be tailored to fit our brand and operating style, and the guest experience we provide.” Rather than a simple structure resembling a white tent, which characterized Danville’s site, Petersburg’s temporary casino is expected to offer a more refined experience.
The Danville casino, described by Virginia Business as a temporary facility measuring only 40,000 square feet, housed 740 slot machines along with a variety of gaming tables and a quick-service restaurant. In contrast, Petersburg’s temporary establishment not only expands size but also enhances guest offerings with dining facilities like a bar and quick-service restaurant.
The Live! Casino is projected to grow into a permanent complex that will debut in 2027. When finished, the resort will encompass 525,000 square feet, making it the third largest casino in Virginia. This positioning leaves it behind the Hard Rock Casino in Bristol, which spans 620,000 square feet, and Caesars Virginia in Danville, which measures 587,000 square feet. With plans for 1,600 slot machines and 65 live-action gaming tables, Petersburg’s future casino aims to establish itself as a leading competitor in Virginia’s ever-evolving casino market.
Along with gaming facilities, a 4,000-seat concert venue is part of the ambitious plans for the Petersburg casino. This venue is poised to be larger than the others found within Virginia's existing casino resorts, further adding to the city's entertainment appeal.
Petersburg’s journey to becoming a casino host has been anything but straightforward. The city's efforts kicked off in earnest as the Virginia General Assembly sanctioned the establishment of casinos in five cities known for struggling economies. Petersburg became determined to join that number after Richmond's repeated rejections for a casino faced by voters. In the wake of Richmond voters twice rejecting plans for a casino near the Philip Morris plant, Petersburg seized its opportunity. Efforts from 2022 and 2023 experienced delays due to competing interests, but the 2024 referendum finally set Petersburg’s path forward.
When the referendum was finally held, the result was overwhelming. A remarkable 82% majority of voters endorsed the casino, breaking records in Virginia for any ballot initiative that did not involve candidates. This strong approval demonstrated not just support for the casino but also the broader anticipation of economic improvement that the casino promises for Petersburg.
In light of the regional competition for casino facilities, northern Virginia had shown significant interest in establishing its own casino, fueled by envy over the success of the MGM resort at National Harbor just outside Maryland. However, efforts in this direction have floundered. A recent attempt that passed the state Senate was ultimately stymied in the House of Delegates. For now, Virginia lawmakers appear satisfied with the current five approved sites, meaning Petersburg is positioned uniquely to benefit from gambling revenues without fierce rival casino establishments nearby.
Beyond its immediate surroundings, Petersburg's casino ambitions reflect broader shifts in the local and state economy, and the momentum surrounding this initiative aligns not just with recreational— but transformational economic objectives, estimated to bolster the community significantly.
The establishment and expected success of the Petersburg Casino could herald a new era of entertainment and economic opportunities for the city, as it strides closer to becoming a recognized destination for both gaming enthusiasts and tourists alike.
