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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.

Overview

  • 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.