Will Roanoke be the next city in Virginia to get a casino? It depends on who you ask. But one thing is clear: people are talking about it a lot.
Roanoke City wants to build a casino at the Berglund Center, leading to many discussions among residents, lawmakers, and city council members who have shared their different opinions in recent meetings.
Roanoke's plan is to develop an entertainment area around the casino, including:
- Hotel
- Event spaces
- Restaurants
- Additional Parking
Mayor Joe Cobb said the project aims to create jobs, attract tourists, and help the city rely less on property taxes by adding new sources of revenue. City officials estimate that Roanoke would get 6% of the first $100 million made from gaming, which could help pay for schools, neighborhoods, and public safety programs.
“The goal for this project is to inspire economic growth through increased entertainment, dining and lodging options, with a refurbished civic center drawing acts and people from all over: for those who call Roanoke home and those visiting for the first time,” Cobb said.
The talk about building another casino in Virginia is happening while the fate of the Norfolk casino will be decided next week. And we just found out that the revenue from Virginia's casinos increased nearly 30% since last year.
The City Would Create an Entertainment District and Casino
The proposed casino is part of a larger plan to establish an entertainment district around the Berglund Center.
The Berglund Center hosts many different events, like big concerts with famous musicians, Broadway shows, and local performances. You can also see hockey games played by the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, listen to symphony concerts, and attend community festivals.
The new entertainment district would include a casino, hotel, new event spaces, restaurants, and added parking.
“The creation of an entertainment district can serve as a catalyst for job creation across the region. From hospitality to gaming to professional services, this is a unique opportunity to build upon our already potent workforce development efforts and to provide good paying jobs that would benefit the region for years to come,” said Roanoke's Economic Development Director, Marc Nelson.
Public Opinion on New Casino in Virginia is Mixed
The people who live in Roanoke are expressing varying views about a casino in their town. Many of them shared their feelings during the October city council meeting.
Some believe the casino would boost the economy and create jobs, while others raised concerns about possible increases in crime, gambling addiction, and moral issues.
According to statistics.com, even a medium-sized casino could generate between $100,000 and $500,000 per month, This translates to roughly $1.2 million to $6 million annually in gross revenue. These figures can vary widely based on local demand and gaming offerings.
Mayor Cobb encouraged public involvement, stating that the casino is just one part of a larger plan to revitalize the city. There are similar discussions happening in Fairfax, where people there do not want to see a casino built.
City Council Opinions Vary on Roanoke Casino
City Council members had different opinions:
- Peter Volosin, the legislative vice-chair, supported the plan as part of the city’s priorities.
- Evelyn Powers was undecided, noting that the proposal was still in its early stages.
- Nick Hagen worried about the casino’s location, which is on land connected to past urban renewal displacement, and suggested that revenue should benefit Gainsboro, a historically Black neighborhood.
The timeline for state approval and referendum for a proposed casino typically involves multiple steps and can span over a year or more.
Legislative Challenges a New Virginia Casino Might Face
If you're wondering why it could take so long, for a casino referendum to happen, a Virginia state legislator must introduce a bill naming Roanoke as a potential casino host city.
As of mid-October, no area lawmakers had stepped forward to do so.
- Senators David Suetterlein and Joe McNamara released a statement opposing the casino, describing it as “misguided” and cautioning against social impacts.
- Senator Chris Head said he strongly opposes the idea.
- Delegate Sam Rasoul reiterated his general opposition to using casinos as a revenue source.
Mayor Cobb announced that the city will present the project to the Virginia General Assembly to find a sponsor for the next legislative session. If successful, a local referendum could be held no earlier than November 2026.
Roanoke leaders see the casino as a strategy for economic growth, but the proposal must overcome significant community division and political challenges before moving forward.
