Last updated: April 08, 2024
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signs bills removing Richmond from casino eligibility after two failed referendums. Meanwhile, another bill aims to add Petersburg to the list, which is pending reapproval. Debate ensues over the possibility of amendments and the future trajectory of casino legislation in the state.
The Richmond Riddance Act, contemporary legislation to remove Richmond from cities in Virginia that may house gaming casinos, was signed on by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Democratic legislators Betsy Carr, Delaware, and state senator Lamont Bagby, Virginia, whose districts also include Richmond, are proposing the bills. The Virginia General Assembly approved the measures in the same way in both chambers; they passed unanimously.
About fifty months have elapsed since the public declined the proposal in November to establish a gambling place on the city’s southern part for the second time. It was now when the governor began to take the necessary action. The voters disliked the ballot referendum even on the second try as they rejected it, with 62% of them declining the initiative despite the first time the vote being very close (51% to 49% in 2021).
Senator Bagby stands by his viewpoint on the casino matter and observes that the voters of Richmond, Alberta, have said no to it for the second time. Bagby underlined the necessity of considering the voice of the public even if he did agree with the result of the elections.
The code of Virginia State Code does not comprise a list of particular cities that can assume a casino but characterizes certain criteria for such a list. In past days, the prior legislation, signed by the governor, necessitated that the city of Richmond not be included in this eligibility. The state code stipulates that prospective host cities are able to compete for the hosting of the event. The population of the city must exceed 200,000 as per the 2018 estimates of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia and at least of its assessed real estate value should be exempted from the local property tax as per the Virginia Department.
Richmond fits all the necessary conditions, and the population has exceeded 230,000 in 2018. The year revealing the fact that it is not eligible is passed.
There’s a possibility of reintroducing language to reinstate Richmond’s eligibility through another bill. However, State Senator Bagby has expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of such a reversal, deeming the odds as “slim to none,” as reported by 8 News.
Virginia’s Casino Expansion: Petersburg’s Eligibility and Legislative Response
In recent legislative developments, a new Virginia casino bill, SB 6284, has successfully passed, potentially paving the way for Petersburg to join the ranks of cities eligible to host a casino in the state. However, Governor Youngkin still needs to provide for this legislation.
Earlier in March, the General Assembly greenlit a bill that would add Petersburg to the list of Virginia cities eligible for casino development. Alongside this decision, five finalists have emerged as potential partners for Petersburg in spearheading a casino project.
The approved version of the bill contains a reenactment clause stipulating that the measure will only come into effect upon receiving legislative approval once again during a regular or special session.
Petersburg is evaluating proposals from industry giants such as Bally’s, Cordish Companies, Rivers Casino/Rush Street Gaming, Warrenton Group, and Penn Entertainment.
Senator Lashrecse Aird, who co-sponsored the bill with Senator Louise Lucas, emphasized the ongoing dialogue surrounding the inclusion of the reenactment clause. She highlighted the dynamic nature of legislative processes, where diverse policy perspectives are incorporated into bills along the way.
Looking ahead, there’s speculation that Governor Youngkin may submit an amendment to remove the reenactment clause from the bill. Should this occur, lawmakers will convene for further deliberation in two weeks upon their return to Richmond.
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