Virginia: Having pitched a casino of its own, Petersburg withholds reaction to second defeat of Richmond casino referendum

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 8:47 PM
Photo:  The Cordish Companies (courtesy)
  • Bill Atkinson, Petersburg Progress-Index

City officials are reticent to say anything yet about Tuesday’s overwhelming defeat in Richmond of the casino referendum … a far cry from two years ago when the unrestrained Petersburg push for legalized gambling started practically from the announcement of the results.

Unlike in 2021 when casino opponents eked out a 1,500-vote victory that prompted calls for a do-over, the vote this time was far more definitive. Despite a multimillion-dollar info and ad campaign leading up to Tuesday, 61% of Richmond voters rejected the proposed Richmond Grand hotel and casino.

Also unlike the last time, supporters of the casino appear to have resolved themselves to the outcome.