In Petersburg, anticipation is mounting as Live! Casino Virginia prepares for its debut.
The temporary “tent casino” is set to hold a soft-opening event on Wednesday, ahead of its public opening the following day. The gaming venue marks a significant addition to Virginia’s gaming landscape.
The soft opening is reserved for preregistered guests, who will be able to enjoy exclusive gaming from noon to 8 p.m.
All proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, including Feed More and the John Randolph Foundation. The general public will have access beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, when the casino will officially open its doors and begin operating 24/7.
The Virginia Lottery Board has recently approved the operating license, ensuring everything is in place for the casino’s debut. The permanent Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is slated to open in 2027.
What Will the New Peterson Casino Offer?
The temporary facility, encompassing 75,000 square feet within a climate-controlled tent, offers visitors an exhilarating gaming experience as construction on the permanent site unfolds. The venue accommodates guests with approximately 1,000 complimentary parking spaces, enhancing overall convenience.
Inside, the gaming floor boasts a wide array of entertainment options, featuring between 900 and 926 slot machines and 30 to 33 live-dealer table games. This includes a dedicated high-limit area for those seeking elevated stakes. The casino will provide nonstop gaming, bringing a taste of Las Vegas-style excitement to Virginia.
Food enthusiasts will also be pleased with the casino’s culinary offerings, which highlight local favorites. The venue features a full bar and a quick-service restaurant called Lucky’s, serving dishes crafted in partnership with local spots such as Saucy’s BBQ and Griffin Lounge Pastries.
Strategically located just off I-95 at Wagner Road, the new Petersburg casino is poised to become a regional attraction.
Impact on the Community in Petersburg, Virginia
The new facility is set to significantly bolster the local economy by generating around 500 jobs, including approximately 100 positions for table-game dealers. Many of these roles are expected to be filled by graduates of a local dealer training program.
Beyond job creation, the casino is projected to bring substantial financial gains to Petersburg. The city has already used some of its casino revenue to purchase new fire trucks.
Petersburg will receive an initial payment of about $15 million, with projections showing total revenue could reach approximately $240 million over the next decade. In addition, the casino has partnered with around 15 local shops and eateries, encouraging visitors to explore the broader Petersburg area.
The permanent casino, hotel, entertainment center, and additional amenities will be developed in later phases, with the full project expected to open next year.
This initial phase of the $600 million project—which includes the temporary Petersburg casino—will feature a 200-room hotel, an expanded casino floor with 1,600 slot machines and more than 60 gaming tables, a sportsbook, diverse dining options, and a 4,000-seat entertainment venue.
Additional phases of development are planned to create a mixed-use district, which could further rejuvenate the local economy with residential and commercial components surrounding the casino.
