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Casino, Virginia

The New Danville Casino Plans Have Been Approved!

Nickolas BransonBy Nickolas Branson

For years, lawmakers in Virginia have discussed ways to effectively expand the state’s gambling industry. One of the ways to achieve this goal is to open a large new casino in the city of Danville. According to new reports, the new Danville casino plans have officially been approved by the Virginia Lottery.

New Danville Casino Plans

It’s a big step in getting this venue built. Today, we’re going to look back at the state’s road to opening more casinos. We’ll also look at what else needs to be done in order for the Danville casino to open.

Let’s get into it!

History of Gambling Legislation in Virginia

Back in the 1800s, Virginia had one of the largest gambling industries in the United States. By the turn of the century, lawmakers here began to associate this industry with crime. They eventually made the decision to ban nearly all forms of traditional gambling.

This legal ban on gambling remained in place for decades. Beginning in the 1990s, however, state officials here began to change their stance. Many recognized how much money having a regulated casino industry could bring the state.

Several bills to legalize casinos were presented over the past 20 years. None managed to gain any traction. Fortunately, things appear to be changing. In March of this year, Virginia’s House of Delegates finally approved a measure to allow several commercial casinos to open around the state.

This was one of the crucial steps needed to get this bill put into legislation. Since that time, many have been working to come up with specific plans to open casinos in different cities. Casino proponents want to clearly explain how opening a casino will help the state’s economy.

Since 2019, lawmakers have been interested in opening a casino in the city of Danville. Many residents of this city have supported the idea, as well. It now appears we’re closer than ever to seeing a casino constructed here.

Virginia Lottery Approves the New Danville Casino Plans

City officials in Danville have been working hard to get their casino plans approved. It certainly hasn’t been easy, though. The state’s Lottery Commission, responsible for monitoring all gambling activities here, needed to give its approval for the project to move forward.

Fortunately, that’s what’s happened this week. The Virginia Lottery has officially pre-certified the new Danville casino plans. This paves the way for the casino referendum to make its appearance on November’s ballot. Voters in the city will then ultimately decide whether or not to allow a casino.

Ken Larking, City Manager of Danville, spoke about the situation to the media this week.

“It’s certainly good news,” he said. “We’re glad Caesars was able to pull together the necessary information and show the state that they are capable of developing a high-quality project in our community.”

Officials in the city of Danville are obviously excited to see this project move forward. Recently, the Lottery also approved casino projects in Bristol, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Of course, approval of these projects does not mean a casino license is guaranteed. This is a separate process that takes place once voters approve the casino referendum.

It’s established that Caesars Entertainment will operate the casino expected to be built here. As many know, this company is involved in a massive merger with Eldorado Resorts right now. Here’s where things stand with that situation.

New Jersey Gaming Commission Gives Approval For Eldorado-Caesars Merger

The higher-ups in Caesars Entertainment have to be excited to hear that the new Danville casino plans have been approved. Of course, most of the company is solely focused on its merger with Eldorado Resorts. Back in June of 2019, Eldorado paid an incredible $17.3 billion to acquire Caesars and its assets.

This is the largest merger between two casino companies in history. Our team has been covering the merge for more than a year. Obviously, such a massive deal takes a long time to complete.

Initially, the plan was for everything to be finished by June of this year. After several delays, company officials pushed the finalization date to July. It now appears that things will be completed in August.

Eldorado and Caesars recently gained approval from the Nevada and Indiana Gaming Commissions. These companies now only need the green light from New Jersey’s regulators for things to move forward. Hope was that this would get done before the end of the week.

News has just broken that New Jersey has officially approved the merger. It was the final hurdle in the way of the deal closing. Only a few more easy steps are needed before the country’s largest casino merger is done!

These companies have reason to celebrate. Their deal is nearly complete, and the new Danville casino plans have officially been approved. Stay tuned for more news on Virginia’s casino industry over the next few weeks!

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Virginia

Caesars Entertainment in Talks to Open New Casino in Virginia

Devin P-BBy Devin P-B

The City of Danville, VA, is quickly moving forward with a bidding process to open the city’s first casino. After receiving proposals from operators in early May, the city has decided to move forward with Caesars Entertainment.

Official Government Logo for Danville, Virginia

The city has not approved a site for the casino to be built. However, recent reports suggest the former Dan River Mills industrial complex in the Schoolfield area of Danville is in discussion for the casino’s location. As part of the bidding process, Caesars created a flythrough tour of what the new casino property would look like.

The proposed property features 500 hotel rooms, a 2,500-seat concert venue, and a 35,000 square foot convention center. The designs shared with the city include plans for a sportsbook, 2,000 slot machines, 75 table games, and 16 poker tables.

Check out the video highlighting the initial design of Danville’s new casino.

Virginia Changes Stance on Casino Ban

The Commonwealth of Virginia does not currently allow casinos to operate. However, recent legislative changes have provided cities with a democratic process to legalize casino gaming and legalized gambling.

On April 22, the state’s House of Delegates and Senate voted in favor of Gov. Ralph Northam’s amendments to Virginia’s casino legislation. The bill provides authorization to the “host cities” of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond to vote via referendum on whether to authorize casinos to operate locally. Each city will vote on its referendum during the general election in November 2020, with the exception of Richmond.

Construction of Caesars Casinos Expected to Generate Jobs

The City of Danville could see the creation of nearly 900 construction jobs during the build-out phase of Caesars Entertainment’s new property. Once the casino is completely operational, the  city expects approximately 1,300 new jobs created to staff the casino and resort.

The construction of the new casino is expected to cost more than $400 million in capital investment. If approved in the near future, the casino should be completely built in 2023. The City of Danville expects to receive over $20 million in revenue annually from taxes on gaming activity.

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Casino, Virginia

General Assembly is Ready to Review Virginia’s New Casino Regulations

Nickolas BransonBy Nickolas Branson

Lawmakers in Virginia have been discussing opening up the state’s casino industry for years. It seemed as if casinos were set to become legal earlier this year, yet certain state officials are still asking for revisions to the gambling legislation. This week, the state General Assembly is meeting to discuss Virginia’s new casino regulations.

Virginia Casinos

If all goes according to plan, Class III casinos will be approved in this state before the summer. Today, we’re going to discuss the changes to gambling laws here. We’ll also look at what other forms of gambling may become available over the next couple of years.

Let’s get into it!

Virginia’s Governor is Asking for Changes to Proposed Casino Laws

More states are beginning to embrace their gambling industries. It seems like every few months, another state announces it’s becoming interested in legalizing casinos. This is certainly true in Virginia, which has been looking at the legalization of casinos for years.

As we already mentioned, it seemed like casinos would become legal here last year. Things failed to materialize, however, and another push to legalize casinos began in the beginning of this year. In February, news broke that the House and Senate approved a set of casino bills.

That didn’t mean casinos instantly became legal here. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam began taking a closer look at this legislation. Eventually, the Governor asked for an amendment to the casino bills that would allow revenue from these gambling venues to go towards public school construction.

It was a little disappointing for those hoping to see casinos legal this year. Northam’s decision now means the House and Senate will need to agree on the new terms. It’s unclear whether this will take place.

The fact that all US land-based casinos are shut down right now isn’t helping either. There are some analysts that feel the country’s casino industry will never look the same once this pandemic has ended.

This week, Virginia state officials will once again look at the casino legislation being presented.

Officials Are Now Set to Review Virginia’s New Casino Regulations

It’s clear that legalizing casinos is not easy. As many in Virginia now realize, there are several legal steps that need to be taken before these gambling venues can be approved. This includes gaining approval from the state’s General Assembly.

Once again, the House and Senate will need to review the new amendment presented by Governor Northam. These state government bodies will need to approve House Bill 4 and Senate Bill 36. If both bills are approved once again, casinos may finally become legal here.

Senator Todd Pillion gave an enthusiastic statement about this new meeting to the media yesterday.

“Fixing our deteriorating schools is an issue that unites legislators across political and geographical divides,” he said. “Republicans and Democrats from Lee County to Norfolk recognize this is an issue that needs our attention. The amendment, which I support, will allow a portion of state revenues collected from casino projects to be returned to localities to fix our schools, directly benefiting our students and teachers. I am hopeful this solution will have broad bipartisan support in both the Senate and House.” 

It remains to be seen whether or not these bodies will decide to approve these bills. If they are rejected, the legislation will go back to the Governor. It would then be discussed again once again in November.

Are any other forms of gambling likely to be approved here?

Sports Betting is Likely to Become Legal in Virginia Soon

Since May of 2018, every state in the country has been able to legalize sports betting. That’s due to the Supreme Court striking down PASPA. Today, more than 20 states have officially legalized this form of gambling.

Lawmakers in Virginia have discussed plans to allow sports betting for years. It now appears 2020 is the year this happens. During today’s meeting to discuss Virginia’s new casino regulations, lawmakers will also decide on whether or not to approve sports gambling legislation.

Most feel this will happen. The main focus point will be on how much sports betting licenses cost. Under the current plans, it will cost $250,000 for a three-year license and an additional $200,000 to renew these licenses.

Most agree that sports betting will be hugely popular in this state. Virginia is known for its large sports fan base. Governor Northam seems to recognize this, and almost all analysts expect him to sign the sports gambling bills once approved by the House and Senate.

It’s an exciting time for gambling fans in Virginia. This year, two separate forms of gambling are likely to become legal here.

Do you think Virginia’s new casino regulations will be approved? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Casino, news, Virginia

Governor Northam Amends Virginia’s Casino Legislation

James MurrayBy James Murray

For years, lawmakers in Virginia have been pushing to expand the state’s gambling industry. The legalization of casinos, they argue, would help to bring the state millions in additional revenue every single year. Unfortunately, Governor Northam has amended Virginia’s casino legislation and it’s unclear when casinos will be able to operate here.

Virginia Sign

It’s disappointing news for gambling fans in this state. Today, we’re going to discuss when casinos may finally be able to operate here. We’ll also look at how other state’s casino industries are faring right now.

Let’s get into it!

Virginia’s Road to Casino Legalization

Virginia is one of the few states in the country that does not currently allow casino gambling. It wasn’t always this way, though. Many decades ago, this state had a large and successful gambling industry. Today, however, almost no legal forms of wagering are allowed here.

The first attempts to legalize casinos here appeared in the mid-90s. None of these early attempts made it to the Senate. That hasn’t stopped proponents of this industry from trying, though.

Recently, another major push to allow casinos has been taking place. This time, it appears things may actually be successful. Two different bills are being considered here to officially allow casinos in five different cities.

In February, news broke that lawmakers had advanced these bills. Several anti-gambling groups began voicing their concerns, claiming it would lead to higher rates of crime and gambling addiction. Despite these claims, state leaders seemed to be embracing the land-based casino industry.

Things are being delayed once again. News is now coming out that the Governor is amending the policy to allow casinos to start operating. Here’s what we know about this situation.

Governor Decides to Amend Virginia’s Casino Legislation

Allowing land-based casinos to operate in Virginia was never going to be easy. Completely new laws had to be introduced. This week, Governor Ralph Northam decided to delay things a little bit to ensure the money earned from legal casinos goes to the right place.

Governor Northam is now proposing an amendment that would use casino revenue to fund public school construction. Carter Hutchinson, deputy policy advisor for the Governor, recently spoke about the situation to the media.

“The governor is going to amend that provision of the bill that says roughly two-thirds of the [tax] revenue goes to the general fund,” he said. “He is going to amend that language to designate the funding go to school construction, renovation and repairs. The language is going to be relatively broad given the revenue from the casinos won’t start coming in for at least a couple years, probably more.”

Lawmakers in Virginia will meet once again on April 22nd to further discuss Virginia’s casino legislation. At this time, a decision will be made on whether or not to officially approve the new bills.

A 2019 study concluded that legalized casinos could bring Virginia $900 million within five years. A casino in Bristol could bring the state $15 million annually.

We’ll need to wait and see how things go later this month.

US Casino Industry Remains Shut Down

It’s an unusual time for Virginia to consider allowing land-based casinos. As most are well-aware, almost all land-based casinos in the state are completely shut down due to Covid-19. It’s unclear when this will change.

It’s a difficult situation. Health experts believe that casinos pose a serious risk for infection spread. Because of this, some feel it may be months before any land-based gaming venues are able to open again.

The casino shutdown has been seriously damaging for several states. Nevada, in particular, is losing out on an enormous amount of revenue right now. Several major casino operators in Las Vegas are losing millions of dollars every single day due to these regulations.

Atlantic City is beginning to suffer, as well. A recent report claims the city may begin losing $500 million every month. Unless things change, it will be extremely difficult for many casino companies to continue operations here.

Virginia’s casino legislation may soon be approved. It will be interesting to see how the new coronavirus affects these plans.

Stay tuned for more Virginia casino news over the next few weeks!

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Casino, news, Virginia

Virginia’s Casino Industry is About to Open Up

James MurrayBy James Murray

For years, Virginia has been one of the few states in the country without any tribal or commercial casinos. Based on new reports, this is about to change. After receiving approval from the House of Delegates, Virginia’s casino industry may finally open up.Virginia Casinos

It’s extremely exciting news for gambling fans in this state. It’s very likely that five casinos will soon open here. Today, we’re going to take a look at how these new regulations finally came together.

Let’s get into it!

Lawmakers in Virginia Continue Pushing for More Gambling Options

Virginia is known for its tough laws towards the gambling industry. For decades, no land-based gambling venues have been able to operate in the state. It was unusual, as several nearby states had large and profitable gambling industries.

Many lawmakers called for these regulations to change. They tried to argue that these gambling venues would help to bring the state millions in additional revenue every year. Until very recently, however, these efforts have failed.

In 2019, another attempt to allow casinos in the state was made. This time, some major state politicians revealed they were interested. Many states around the country recently expanded their gambling markets and were earning serious revenue as a result.

Lawmakers in Virginia recognized the potential from this industry. Two bills to legalize commercial casinos were slowly making their way through the legislative process. In February, it seemed very likely that the bills would officially be approved.

This is a fantastic time to be a casino gambling fan in this state. Virginia’s casino industry is about to expand rapidly.

Virginia’s Casino Industry Gains Support From House

The push to allow casinos in Virginia has been raging for months. This week, the casino bill was unanimously approved by the House of Delegates. The body now joins the Senate, who approved the bills on Saturday.

This process wasn’t easy, though. The Senate and House argued over tax rates for the casino industry for months. Two separate bills needed to be approved here in order for casino gambling to get approved in the state.

The House approved Senate Bill 4 by a 59-35 margin. Later, they approved House Bill 4. Doing so now sends the bills to Governor Ralph Northam.

Hard Rock Bristol Resort and Casino group, one of the main proponents for casino gambling in the state, commented on the decision to the media this week.

“We are pleased that the General Assembly passed HB 4 and SB 36 and are excited about the potential it will bring,” the statement read. “This legislation allows for major economic development projects in Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Richmond and Norfolk and will bring thousands of new jobs and millions in additional tax revenue to Virginia. We want to particularly thank Del. Terry Kilgore and Sen. Todd Pillion and the entire Southwest Virginia delegation for their relentless support and hard work, and Senator Louise Lucas  for her vision and commitment to make this legislation a reality.”

It now seems like just a matter of time before Virginia’s casino industry takes off. Analysts expect Governor Northam to approve the bills. Doing so would allow gambling venues to open in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond.

Sports Betting in VA is Still Being Considered

It’s great to see lawmakers in Virginia start to embrace the gambling industry. Soon, this state could have one of the top casino markets on the East Coast. Unfortunately, legal sports betting is still not available in this state.

Since PASPA was removed in May of 2018, every state in the country has been able to set its own laws on the sports betting industry. More than 20 now have legal, regulated sports gambling options up and running.

A few sports gambling bills have been presented here. Thus far, none have been able to make through the legislative session. Some predict that this industry will become legal here before the end of 2020.

It’s clear that the state is changing its stance towards gambling. Virginia’s casino industry is about to open up. Several other neighboring states are also considering allowing land-based casinos to begin operating.

Make sure to stay tuned for updates over the next few months!

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Casino, news, Virginia

Bristol VA’s Casino Plans Are Coming Together

James MurrayBy James Murray

Virginia has been preparing to allow casino gambling for years. Recently, cities here have begun discussing plans on how to collect the revenue from these gambling venues. Officials have now agreed to Bristol VA’s casino plans.

Casino Floor Picture

This casino will be unique for a number of reasons. Today, we’re going to talk about what separates the Bristol casino from some of the others in the state. We’ll also discuss when this state’s casino industry will get up and running.

Let’s get into it!

Virginia Seems Poised to Legalize Commercial Casinos

Gambling laws are changing throughout the country. It seems like every single month, a new state decides to allow casinos or sports betting. Some felt that Virginia would never decide to allow traditional casinos to operate.

This was due to the harsh laws towards gambling here. For decades, lawmakers in Virginia prohibited almost all forms of gambling. Only recently has this begun to change.

Some feel that the removal of PASPA helped to change the state’s laws. After PASPA was removed, a huge number of states began allowing sports betting and are now earning millions of dollars a month by taxing this industry.

Certain officials have been pushing to legalize casinos in Virginia for years. Last month, a bill to allow tribal and commercial casinos in the state made its way through the Senate General Laws and Technology Subcommittee. It’s now being reviewed by the Senate and House.

Most feel that the state will approve these regulations before the end of the year. Some even think these bills are given the green light within the next few weeks. Many cities are already coming up with preparations to collect revenue from these venues.

Bristol VA’s Casino Plans Are Now Being Discussed

It’s not easy to have casino regulations approved in a new state. Different parts of every state need to get on board with the plans. Under Virginia’s casino bill currently being reviewed, Bristol is the only city in the state that’s required to share its casino revenue with neighboring counties.

These plans, overseen by the Regional Improvement Commission, calls for the money earned from this casino to be shared. It’s interesting to see, as the casino in Bristol is expected to be the lowest-earning gaming venue in the state.

Randy Eads, City Manager for Bristol, commented on the way this casino will help to benefit the state.

“I think from the outset, everybody recognized that this project would benefit not just the city of Bristol but benefit the entire region,” he said. “Southwest Virginia as a region needs a financial infusion, and this is one way to allow everybody to benefit from this economic development project at the Bristol Mall.”

Bristol VA’s casino plans are expected to bring the state $35 million in annual taxes every single year. This is based on the 17% tax rate that’s being proposed. Of course, several issues surrounding tax rates have already popped up.

The House and Senate disagree with how much these casinos should pay in taxes. Hope is that this issue is resolved this week.

Virginia’s House and Senate Continue to Debate Casino Tax Rates

By mid-February, it seemed as if the state was just about to formally approve casinos to start opening. Cities had agreed to a set of regulations. Even Bristol VA’s casino plans were agreed to, despite the fact that it lessens the amount of money this city will earn.

Unfortunately, the Senate and House have failed to come to an agreement over tax rates. For that reason, Virginia’s Senate officially rejected the proposed bills. The House and Senate are now trying to find an agreeable middle ground.

A conference committee in Virginia is scheduled to meet on March 7th. Hope is that this committee can resolve these issues. Most agree that legalized casinos will help to bring the state millions in additional revenue every single year.

As of now, sports betting is still not being discussed in this state. That’s likely to change in time. Several nearby states now allow sports gambling and are profiting massively.

Bristol VA’s casino plans have been approved. Now, the House and Senate need to come to an agreement. Stay tuned for more Virginia casino news over the next few weeks!

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Casino, news, Virginia

Virginia’s New Casino Bill Has Been Rejected

James MurrayBy James Murray

For months, lawmakers in Virginia have pushed to have casino gambling legalized in the state. Legislation continued to advance, and many believed it was just a matter of time before casinos became legal. Unfortunately, Virginia’s new casino bill was rejected in the Senate.Virginia Sign

It’s a huge blow for proponents of gambling in this state. Many have argued that regulated casinos will help to bring the state millions of dollars every single year via taxes. Today, we’re going to discuss why this bill was rejected.

Let’s get into it!

The Road to Legal Casinos in Virginia

Virginia isn’t known as a very gambling-friendly state. In fact, very few forms of gambling are actually legal here. In 2013, several politicians in the state began presenting legislation to legalize riverboat casinos.

These bills were eventually struck down. Afterward, it seemed as if regulated casinos would never begin operating in this state. Recently, lawmakers in Virginia have once again begun pushing to legalize land-based casinos.

Last year, another bill was presented in the state to legalize these gambling venues. By November, Virginia’s new casino bill was approved by a Senate Subcommittee. This bill allows for commercial casinos to begin operating in several different cities.

After the approval in November, it seemed as if legal casinos would be finally allowed to operate in the state. Several of the state’s top politicians were praising the details of this new bill. Then, out of the blue, this casino bill was rejected in the Senate.

It’s extremely disappointing news. Some felt that Virginia had the potential to become a major gambling hub on the East Coast. Here’s what we know about this situation so far.

Virginia’s New Casino Bill Has Been Rejected in the Senate

If approved, the bill presented in the state would have allowed for several commercial casinos to open. According to new reports, this bill has been rejected in the Senate. We’re now hearing reports of why this is.

According to the Washington Examiner, the Senate and House could not agree on tax rates for these casinos. The House is said to want a lower tax rate than the Senate. 

The House claims that it wants a tax rate between 15 and 28 percent of the revenue casinos obtain. The Senate wants these gambling venues to be taxed between 27 and 40 percent of their revenue. Disputes over the cost of a casino license are also taking place.

Members of the House argue that a casino license should cost $5 million. The House believes that a license should cost $15 million. It’s clear that these two chambers have some discussions that need to take place.

The Senate has officially rejected Virginia’s new casino bill introduced by the House. Now, the bill will need to be redrafted in order to fit both chamber’s needs.

Casino May Still Be Legalized in Virginia This Year

It might seem as if the push to legalize casinos in Virginia is now over. That’s not necessarily the case, though. Over the next few months, members of the House and Senate will need to negotiate the terms of this new bill.

Both chambers claim they want to see casinos legalized in the state. Lawmakers here recognize the potential to earn revenue from this industry.

Several lawmakers in Virginia are also working to legalize sports betting. Not long after PASPA was struck down, a study was conducted on how legal sports betting would impact the state. For the past two years, sports betting advocates have tried to convince state politicians to approve legislation for the industry.

Most agree that casinos will be approved to operate in Virginia before the end of the year. Several cities here have already expressed a desire to allow casinos. Virginia’s new casino bill came to a halt in the Senate, yet another is likely to be presented before the summer.

There’s a lot happening here. Stay tuned for more updates on Virginia’s gambling industry over the next few months!

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Gambling Laws, news, Virginia

Virginia’s Gambling Industry is Ready to Expand

Nickolas BransonBy Nickolas Branson

Over the past few months, lawmakers in Virginia have discussed plans to allow commercial casinos and sports betting. It’s a huge change, as in the past, very few forms of gambling were allowed here. Today, we’re going to look at how Virginia’s gambling industry could expand over the next few months. West Virginia

It’s an exciting time for both casino gambling and sports betting fans in the state. There’s a lot scheduled to come here over the next couple of months.

Bill to Allow Commercial Casinos Advances in Virginia

State officials in Virginia have discussed plans to allow casino gambling for years. In 2013, a push was made to start allowing riverboat casinos here. It was nearly approved, yet ultimately failed in the State Senate.

Gambling proponents haven’t given up, though. Many politicians here have continued to push for the legalization of land-based casinos. These gambling venues will help to bring the state millions of dollars, officials argue.

Finally, it appears these casinos may be on their way. In November, a bill to allow commercial casinos in Virginia was approved by a Senate Subcommittee. Lawmakers here are now reviewing this bill to see how it will impact the state.

Before this can be done, several steps need to be taken. The bill still needs to gain approval from the Senate and House. Eventually, residents in Virginia will need to approve the new casino plans, as well.

Virginia’s gambling industry is set to expand soon. This week, several experts began to raise concerns about problem gambling in the state.

Virginia Residents Warn About the Dangers of Gambling Addiction

There are several reasons why Virginia has been so anti-gambling over the years. Lawmakers here have been very concerned about the dangers that this industry poses on society. With Virginia’s gambling industry set to expand, several experts in the state have once again begun warning about the dangers of gambling addiction.

Billy Hoffman, a former gambling addict and current member of Gamblers Anonymous, spoke about the dangers of this new industry. He claims that unlike most substance addiction, gambling offers a sense of hope. Dr. Carolyn Hawley, the president of the problem gambling council in Virginia, spoke about these issues, as well.

“As we’ve seen those markets expand, we’re seeing more people reporting those problems,” she said. “We have to have those discussions and a comprehensive plan in place, because there are some people who develop significant problems. And that hurts the individual. It hurts their families. It hurts their communities.”

Several lawmakers in the state recognize the dangers of this new industry. Fortunately, they have a huge number of other states to ask for guidance. Many states around the country have recently begun to expand their casino and sports gambling laws.

There are certainly more pros than cons when it comes to the gambling industry. Virginia will likely soon begin earning millions of dollars a month in the form of gambling taxes. This is especially true if the state decides to allow sports gambling.

Will Virginia’s Gambling Industry Include Sports Betting?

Since May of 2018, every state in the country has the ability to legalize sports betting. This is thanks to the Supreme Court striking down PASPA. Since that time, 21 states have officially decided to legalize and regulate sports gambling.

Many of these states are now earning a huge amount of money from the industry. New Jersey, in particular, is bringing in an incredible amount of revenue from taxing the state’s legal sports betting operators. Virginia lawmakers seem to recognize this and seem ready to embrace the sports gambling industry.

The state’s sports betting bills recently passed through the Virginia General Assembly. Under this bill, Virginia’s Lottery Board will take control of sports betting regulation. Hope is that the state’s sports betting options are available before the end of the year.

Lawmakers seem to recognize that it’s time for Virginia’s gambling industry to grow. Many states around the country are choosing to earn more money from their gaming markets every month.

It’s still unclear exactly when the first casinos will begin operating here. Several Native American tribes have recently begun presenting plans to open casinos in different parts of the state. In time, Virginia may become one of the East Coast’s gambling hubs.

Stay tuned for more Virginia gambling news over the next few months!

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Virginia

Proposed Casino Resort in South Richmond Awaits Public Approval

Joy NoelBy Joy Noel

Downtown Richmond Virginia VIRGINIA — A forum organized Thursday by councilwoman Ellen Robertson, including a Pamunkey Indian Tribe representative and Richmond leaders, has been set up to give Richmond residents from the 6th district the opportunity to learn more the proposed casino resort that the Pamunkey Tribe are hoping to make a reality in the state’s capitol.

Thursday’s forum will include leaders from the civic and community realms, including Robert Gray, Tribal Government Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, William Smith, Richmond’s Police Chief, Mark Olinger, director of Richmond’s Department of Planning and Development Review, and Leonard Sledge, director of Richmond’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

The meeting is scheduled to run for two hours, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, and will be held at the Bellemeade Community Center.

Casino Details

The Pamunkey Tribe wants to bring a ‘world-class’ resort and casino, a $350 million investment, to Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood.

Four parcels of land on the city’s Southside are either under contract by the tribe or have been purchased by them. The tribe plans to develop the mega resort off Ingram Avenue and Commerce Road, where three parcels of land, totaling 36 acres, are available for their use.

The fourth parcel of tribe-affiliated land is 13-acres worth and located off Jefferson Davis Highway, near Walmsley Blvd. According to the tribe, they would use this off-site parcel property initially as a workforce training facility. Once hiring for the resort is complete, the Jefferson David property will then serve as a beneficial space for the surrounding community, possibly a health clinic or grocery store.

The resort and casino is planned to have a four-diamond, 275-room hotel tower offering ‘stunning views of the James River and Downtown.’ A spa and fitness center, and pool are among the featured amenities. There will also be several exciting dining options, including a luxury steak and seafood restaurant, a sports bar and grill, a buffet, and food court.

“We are very excited about our plans to bring a great resort and casino to Richmond,” said Robert Gray, Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. “Not only does this help fulfill the government’s intent to use gaming to help us secure our future, but it will also be a great economic boost for the City of Richmond and its citizens.”

Legalized Casino Gambling in Virginia

Currently, Virginia doesn’t allow tribal casinos or commercial casinos, and the state hasn’t been able to be easily budged when it comes to their stance on the issue, but that’s starting to change recently. With legalized gambling becoming more streamlined throughout the country, it’s making Virginia take a close, hard look at how it could benefit their state.

In the beginning of February, the bill to legalize commercial casinos in the state was approved by the Senate General Laws and Technology Subcommittee on Gaming. Next to follow-suit are state officials, with a majority of them thus far giving the green light.

Resident approval will be the last important, crucial piece of the legalization puzzle. If the majority of voters give their approval, the Pamunkey Tribe’s envisioned casino could become a reality, as well as other casino venues in the state.

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Casino, news, Virginia

Bill to Allow Commercial Casinos in Virginia is Making Progress

James MurrayBy James Murray

The gambling industry is one of the hottest topics for lawmakers in Virginia. Many officials here want to see the state expand its number of legal gambling options. This week, a bill to allow commercial casinos in Virginia advanced through a Senate sub-committee.Virginia Sign

This is a huge win for gambling fans and proponents throughout the state. It seems likely that these commercial gambling venues will be approved in 2020.  Today, we’re going to look at the state’s current casino laws, and discuss how they might change this year.

Virginia’s Current Gambling Laws, Explained

Virginia is home to more than 8 million people. Over the past couple of years, more residents here have begun pushing to change the state’s gambling laws. Virginia is known for its hardline stance towards the gambling industry, with almost no legal gaming options available right now.

This includes casino gambling. Virginia is one of the states which does not currently allow any tribal or commercial casinos. This wasn’t always the case, though. In the 1800s, Virginia was home to several major gambling venues.

These were eventually shut down in the early 1900s. Almost all forms of gambling remained illegal here throughout the 20th century. In 1987, Virginia finally legalized a state lottery. Eight years later, lawmakers began pushing to allow riverboat casinos. Unfortunately, this was shot down in the Senate committee.

Another attempt to legalize river casinos was made in 2013. Once again, these plans were quickly shut down. There are several online casinos available in VA, yet none are regulated by the state.

Finally, it appears officials here are open to allowing some gambling venues. A bill to allow commercial casinos was introduced in November of 2019. This week, it was approved by the state Senate sub-committee.

Commercial Casinos in Virginia May Soon Become Legal

The US gambling industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. More states are beginning to realize how lucrative legal casino gambling and sports betting can be. It seems this is the case in Virginia. Lawmakers here are finally beginning to embrace the idea of legal casinos.

This week, the Senate General Laws and Technology Subcommittee on Gaming officially approved the recent bill to legalize commercial casinos in Virginia. This bill is a continuation of another bill, called SB 1126, that called for a study on the impact that casinos would have on Virginia.

State officials are beginning to sign-off on this new legislation. Residents in the state will need to approve new casino proposals before any of these venues can be built. A majority of voters are needed to approve the new plans.

Most agree that Virginia’s casino industry will be successful. There are already several cities here that claim to be interested in opening one of these venues.

Conservative groups continue to raise concerns over this new bill. Fortunately, there are enough statistics available that prove how valuable these venues may be to the state. It seems as if we already know where some of these casinos will open.

Five Virginia Cities May Soon Open Casinos

There are still several steps that need to be taken before the bill to allow commercial casinos in Virginia is approved. Interestingly, there are several states where lawmakers want to see these venues open. Each one is struggling financially and would benefit from the extra revenue obtained through the gambling industry.

For now, Richmond, Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Norfolk have all qualified to open a casino.

Some of Virginia’s top lawmakers are still reviewing ways to regulate the new casino market. As of now, the Virginia Lottery is being tasked with monitoring these venues. Gaming revenue will be taxed at 27%.

Native American casinos may eventually be allowed here, as well. Recently, the Pamunkey Tribe has requested permission to operate a new casino in Norfolk and Richmond. These plans have not yet been approved.

It seems like commercial casinos in Virginia are on their way. Perhaps in time, every state in the country will allow traditional casino gambling. Stay tuned for more updates on this situation over the next few months!