Virginia: Petersburg eyes ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ casino vote as early voting begins

Thursday, September 19, 2024 8:40 PM
Photo: The Cordish Companies (courtesy)
  • Wayne Covil, WTVR-TV

The Cornish Company is urging voters in Petersburg to support a proposed casino officials say could bring jobs and revenue to the city.

The company held a pep rally and canvassing event on Thursday, encouraging residents to “Vote Yes” for the casino, which is set to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. Early voting in the Commonwealth begins Friday, Sept. 20.

If approved, the casino planned for an empty lot off Wagner Road and visible from Interstate 95 could be a $1.4 billion revitalization effort for Petersburg.

Officials with the company estimated the casino would generate a $2.8 billion economic boost to the region over the first 10 years and provide the city with $240 million in tax revenues along with job opportunities.