Richmond, Virginia Voters Reject Proposed Casino Resort for Second Time

Despite developers' $10 million investment in a pro-casino campaign, Richmond voters reject a $562 million resort casino project backed by Urban One and Churchill Downs due to concerns about negative impacts on the working class and exploitation of the poor.

Richmond voters have rejected a proposed $562 million casino resort for the second time, despite a $10 million investment from developers in a pro-casino campaign.
The Richmond Grand Resort and Casino was to be located on a former tobacco company site and was expected to provide 1,300 permanent jobs and significant tax revenue.
City officials and prominent local groups, including business and civil rights organizations, supported the project, emphasizing potential economic benefits for the city.
Project opponents raised concerns about the casinos exploiting the poor and working class, and criticized the city officials for seeking a second vote after the initial rejection.
Three other casinos have been opened in Virginia since the 2020 legislative approval for five casinos to be built in the state with voter approval.