Petersburg, Virginia residents vote in record favor of new Live! Casino Resort project

Construction will begin after the vote is certified and all required approvals are received, with an anticipated opening date of the initial first phase casino in 2026.
Key Points
- The $1.4bn project will be co-developed by the Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise
- The 80% approval vote from Petersburg residents marked the highest support for a casino referendum in Virginia history
The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise have announced that its Live! Casino Resort project in Petersburg, Virginia saw the highest support for a casino referendum in state history after 80% of residents voted in favor of the $1.4bn property.
The two companies will co-develop the project, with construction beginning after the vote is certified and all required approvals are received, with an anticipated opening date of the initial first phase casino in 2026.
“We are deeply gratified by the community’s affirmation of this project and very hopeful about the meaningful impact it will have on the city’s future,” Bruce Smith Enterprise Owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Bruce Smith said.
“The casino will not only create good-paying jobs for our residents but will also attract visitors statewide and beyond, stimulating local businesses and in turn producing an overall ripple effect of economic growth. Now that the voters have spoken, we look forward to working with the City of Petersburg and the Virginia Lottery to secure all of the necessary permitting, licensing and regulatory approvals for this project to move forward.”
The casino resort is said to be part of a larger revitalization plan for the city, which has faced economic challenges in recent years according to the announcement.
Good to know: The Cordish Companies celebrated a topping off ceremony for its Live! Casino and Hotel in Louisiana on July 17, set to be opened in the first quarter of 2025
“The approval of the destination resort and casino in Petersburg marks a significant milestone for our City. Voter approval follows a three-year journey on this transformative project that will bring positive change to Petersburg for generations,” Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham said.
“This destination resort, casino, retail and residential development will be the largest economic and tourism project in Petersburg’s history. City Council and administration look forward to working with The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise to positively impact our community and its prosperity.”
Once completed, the initial phase casino will feature 1,000 slot machines, 23 live-action table games, a 15-table poker room and a casino bar and restaurant.
The development will also include restaurants, hotels and event spaces in the hopes of turning Petersburg into a destination site for tourism in the state.
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