The percentages of a on line casino coming to Petersburg shortened final week forward of the Virginia Basic Meeting’s March 9 adjournment.
An aerial photograph of the Petersburg Courthouse. The Virginia city’s skyline may endure nice change ought to state lawmakers in Richmond log out on designating the world for a industrial on line casino resort. (Picture: Shutterstock)
Senate Invoice 628 handed the Home of Delegates on Thursday by a 78-18 vote. The Senate subsequently voted on the Home change 24-16 to approve the invoice, which seeks to qualify Petersburg as a bunch metropolis for a industrial on line casino resort.
The Virginia Senate first permitted the laws throughout a 29-10 vote on February 9. The higher chamber needed to vote on the laws once more. That’s after Home lawmakers tacked on an modification requiring that the laws endure a second vote throughout a “subsequent common or particular session.”
The modification means SB 628 isn’t instantly off to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) desk for approval, after which to the poll field for the November election. The supply as a substitute mothballs the Petersburg on line casino marketing campaign till subsequent 12 months or a particular legislative session that might be known as this spring by Youngkin to finalize vital laws.
Particular Session Possible
For Petersburg metropolis officers — and others within the space supportive of changing into a attainable on line casino host jurisdiction — the chances are presumably good that the Virginia Basic Meeting shall be known as again to Richmond this spring by the governor. Virginia has an in depth monitor file of conducting particular periods, particularly after even-numbered session years the place biennial budgets are forwarded to the governor.
Youngkin known as a particular session in 2022 after reviewing the legislature’s proposed price range. Together with contemplating the $188 billion 2024-26 price range over the subsequent 30 days, Youngkin is reviewing laws to authorize a $2 billion sports activities area in Alexandria. That venue would deliver the NBA Washington Wizards and NHL Washington Capitals to Virginia, largely on the expense of Virginia taxpayers.
If lawmakers are known as again, the chances are sturdy that Sen. Professional Tempore Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) will use her clout to have SB 628 voted on once more. Lucas is a cosponsor of the Petersburg on line casino invoice with Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg).
Lucas, the self-described “on line casino girl” of Virginia, initially opposed efforts to designate Petersburg for a on line casino after Richmond voted towards a on line casino resort. Her tune modified after one among her longtime foes, Sen. Joseph Morrissey (R-Petersburg), was ousted from workplace by Aird. When Richmonders voted a second time towards a on line casino, Lucas received behind the push to relocate the license about 25 miles south to Petersburg.
Referendum Course of
Ought to the Virginia Basic Meeting be known as again to Richmond for a particular session and SB 628 discipline related assist in every chamber, the invoice would wish Youngkin’s signature. The governor has expressed willingness to endorse a Petersburg on line casino invoice.
If Youngkin lends his blessing, voters inside Petersburg’s metropolis limits throughout the November presidential election could be requested a few on line casino resort. Particulars of the challenge shall be decided via a aggressive bid carried out by town council earlier than the autumn election.
Final month, the Petersburg Metropolis Council opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the event of the on line casino resort. Petersburg officers are looking for a challenge with a minimal of 500 lodge rooms, with a on line casino, eating places, retail buying, and a live performance area. The native authorities has additionally instructed builders that it needs a $60 million upfront fee in alternate for the partnership.
The ultimate particulars town and partnered developer choose, together with a particular development web site, could be included within the referendum language. If a easy majority vote “sure,” the on line casino could be approved.
