Virginia: Roanoke City Council hears from residents regarding possible casino

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 3:06 PM
Photo:  Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
  • Austin Hicks, WDBJ

It’s been almost a week since the Roanoke City Council’s surprise announcement about the possibility of putting a casino at the Berglund Center.

The announcement has sparked conversations about whether it’s a good idea to bet it all on a potential casino.

During the first council meeting since the announcement, members of the public had the chance to tell the council how they feel about the idea.

“I do not want the casino brought here,” one Roanoke resident said during Monday’s city council meeting.

“I believe that many of us are concerned it will lead to the reallocation of funds, taking away monies from local businesses and restaurants, also a measurable increase in crime, which is a nationwide statistic,” Brian Smith said during the public hearing.