The Circuit Court of the city of Richmond has approved the regional council’s petition, which will see the inclusion of a referendum on the November ballot regarding the proposed One Casino + Resort.
This becomes the next step towards bringing the development to life, after the Richmond city council approved the ‘Host Community Agreement’ for the property last month.
Following the latest green-light, the November 2, 2021, referendum will see the region’s voters be faced with the question ‘shall casino gaming be permitted at a casino gaming establishment in the city of Richmond, Virginia, at 2001 Walmsley Boulevard and 4700 Trenton Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, 23234 as may be approved by the Virginia Lottery Board?’
If the referendum is approved by Richmond voters, the $562m project, which beat off competition from numerous competing proposals, is scheduled to open in October 2024.
The project is estimated to generate over $500m in direct, indirect, and induced tax revenues and community benefits to Richmond over the first ten years of operation.
Mayor Levar Stoney, said of the Richmond Circuit Court order to place the resort casino referendum on the November ballot: “We thank the court for its review and order to place on the November ballot a referendum on the One Resort & Casino project.
“This economic development project will bring 1,300 well-paying jobs and millions in much-needed revenue to our city while continuing the revitalisation of South Richmond. And as we said from the beginning, the people will have the final say.”
The 2.9m square foot development is set to boast a 100,000 square foot casino which includes 2,000 slot machines and 110 table games, including poker and a sportsbook; a 250-room hotel with ability to expand to 600 rooms, resort style spa and salon retreat, 15 bars and restaurants, 3,000 capacity event centre hosting 200 events annually, 55 acre park and green space, and TV and radio production studios.
Following a request for proposals process, Urban One beat off competition from Cordish Companies, Bally’s Corporation, Golden Nugget, Wind Creek Hospitality, and Pamunkey Indian Tribe & Reservation, to secure approval for the project.
If awarded the green-light Richmond would become the final of five Virginian cities to approve casino resort projects, after Norfolk, Danville, Bristol and Portsmouth held referendums and approved developments alongside the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock International and Rush Street Gaming.
