City of Richmond Fighting for Second Casino Referendum
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Richmond city officials are trying to get a second casino referendum. The state legislature is yet to finalize a budget. City Hall fears the possibility of language being inserted that would block a possible referendum and files a lawsuit.
Urban One won the competition to develop a casino in Richmond. The Cordish Companies won, but voters rejected it in November. In January, the City Council approved a second referendum. Petersburg, 20 miles south, wanted to have its own casino referendum, too. Some state lawmakers introduced bills that would have barred Richmond from holding a referendum before Petersburg could have one. However, Senate's budget bill prevents a Richmond referendum until November 2023. General Assembly never passed a budget before adjourning last weekend.
FanDuel was the first sports betting app to launch in Virginia on January 21, 2021. There are now 11 online sports bets apps in the Commonwealth. Four casinos are planned for Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Hard Rock is planning to open a temporary casino in Bristol this spring.
