The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise have reached a significant construction milestone at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg. The development, which is scheduled to open in late 2027, marked the occasion with a topping-out ceremony, raising the final steel beam for the resort's structure.
Major Economic and Employment Impact
The project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region over the next decade. Projections indicate $2.8 billion in regional economic stimulus and $504 million in tax revenues, with $240 million allocated to Petersburg. The construction phase alone is estimated to provide $802 million in economic benefits, while annual operations after opening are expected to generate $201 million each year. Job creation is also a central focus, with 7,700 positions supported throughout the project, including 6,100 construction jobs and 1,600 permanent roles once the resort is operational.
Extensive Facilities and Local Partnerships
Located near Interstate 95 and Wagner Road, the resort will feature over 445,000 square feet of gaming and hospitality space. Plans include more than 1,600 slot machines, over 70 table games, a 35-table poker room, a sportsbook, a 200-room hotel, a pool, spa, fitness center, and a 70,000-square-foot event center. The property will also offer 20 dining and beverage venues, including Sports & Social, The Prime Rib, and Luk Fu. The developers have committed to purchasing tens of millions of dollars in goods and services locally, and a contractor and vendor fair is scheduled for October 14 to engage local, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.
Community Initiatives and Philanthropy
The Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia project has demonstrated ongoing support for community organizations. Through its Change Maker program, the casino has donated nearly $45,000 to nonprofits in the Greater Richmond area since January, including a recent contribution of $15,929.82 to Lending Helping Hands. The developers also support local groups through financial contributions, in-kind assistance, and volunteer efforts. Additionally, workforce development is a priority, with the Richard Bland College Dealer Institute offering free training for table game dealers and other casino roles.
Why This Matters for Industry Stakeholders
The scale of the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia project signals significant opportunities for operators, affiliates, suppliers, and local businesses. The resort's broad range of gaming and hospitality offerings will likely attract a diverse customer base, while the commitment to local procurement and workforce training opens doors for suppliers and job seekers. The project's focus on community engagement and philanthropy may also enhance the industry's reputation in the region, supporting long-term growth and regulatory goodwill.
Key takeaways
- Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia marked a construction milestone with a topping-out ceremony in Petersburg.
- The project is expected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus and support 7,700 jobs.
- The resort will feature extensive gaming, hospitality, and dining facilities, with a focus on local partnerships.
- Community initiatives and workforce development are central to the project's strategy and impact.