“A competitive selection process will allow us to assess the best opportunity for Richmond,” Mayor Levar Stoney. “This survey is your opportunity to make sure the development proposals reflect your priorities, such as living-wage jobs, sustainable building practices and investment in the community.”
The survey asks residents to rank potential economic and community benefits from a casino and inquires over the location and entertainment / recreation qualities of a proposed property.
Richmond voters will decide at the ballot box next November whether the city moves forward with casino development. The Richmond metropolitan area holds nearly 1.3 million people, second most in the state behind Virginia Beach / Norfolk.
Earlier this year Virginia lawmakers approved legislation granting casinos in five cities among the Commonwealth: Danville, Richmond, Bristol, Portsmouth and Norfolk.
Even before Virginia legalized casino development, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe had already announced plans to develop a $350m resort and casino in south Richmond.
Virginia’s first casinos likely won’t arrive until spring 2022 at the earliest.
The state is also in the process of rolling out sports betting by early 2021 through its Lottery. They have received at least 25 applications.
