PETERSBURG, VA — The shovels are in the ground.
And with that, Petersburg just took a massive leap into a future filled with jackpots, live music, job growth, and quite possibly, a long-overdue economic revival.
On Wednesday, state and city leaders joined executives from The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise to break ground on what they’re calling the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia — a $1.4 billion entertainment destination set to open in phases over the next few years.
A Project Years in the Making
You could feel it in the speeches, the applause, the anticipation: this wasn’t just another ribbon-cutting.
“This is a defining moment,” said State Senator Lashrecse Aird, who called the launch “a singular event” that could shift the future of an entire community.
She’s not exaggerating.
The scale of the project is massive. At full buildout, the complex will include a 200-room upscale hotel, a casino floor with 1,600 slot machines and 65 table games, a full sportsbook, a 4,000-seat concert and event venue, and multiple dining and nightlife options.
By 2027, if all goes according to plan, the permanent resort will open its doors. But the temporary casino is expected to start welcoming guests as early as late 2025, giving residents and visitors a taste of what’s coming — and giving Petersburg’s economy a jolt a bit sooner than later.
Numbers That Turn Heads
$2.8 billion. That’s the estimated economic impact this project will bring to the region over the next 10 years.
$504 million in tax revenue.
7,500 jobs created in total — 1,400 of them long-term, full-time positions once the resort is up and running.
Let that sink in.
“We’re not just talking about blackjack tables and concert stages,” said Cordish Gaming Group President Rob Norton. “We’re talking about real investment, real employment, and real momentum for this city.”
And there’s already money flowing in.
Before a single dice roll, Cordish has been allocating funds to help the city gear up. Mayor Sam Parham says those funds are being channelled straight into services Petersburg desperately needs.
Here’s where some of the early casino revenue is going:
- New fire trucks to replace aging emergency vehicles
- Updated police cruisers for a force that’s been stretched thin
- A brand-new elementary school to support Petersburg’s growing families
A Strategic Partnership with Local Roots
This isn’t just a case of big developers swooping in.
NFL Hall-of-Famer Bruce Smith, a Virginia native and former Buffalo Bills legend, has been personally involved through his enterprise.
His message to the community? This is being built with Petersburg — not just in Petersburg.
“This project reflects our shared values,” Smith said. “It’s about pride in our hometowns, opportunity, and creating a space where families and visitors can thrive.”
His group is putting a strong emphasis on minority hiring, training programs, and making sure that the jobs created by this project are accessible and sustainable.
For locals, that could mean career paths in everything from hospitality and gaming to security, maintenance, marketing, and event production.
Temporary Casino First, Full Resort Later
The rollout is phased, which gives the city time to adjust and prepare.
The temporary casino will be constructed at the same site and is projected to open by the end of 2025.
It won’t be a stopgap or a trailer setup either — think stylish, sleek, and fully operational, just on a smaller scale than the final build.
The resort’s full opening in 2027 will coincide with new infrastructure improvements across the area, officials say, aimed at accommodating the expected surge in tourism and traffic.
And it’s not just locals they’re targeting.
Cordish executives hinted at aggressive marketing strategies to draw visitors from Richmond, D.C., and even North Carolina — turning Petersburg into a legitimate travel and entertainment hub.
Local Skepticism, But Growing Optimism
Sure, not everyone’s convinced.
Casino projects around the country have promised economic turnarounds before, with mixed results. Some residents have voiced concerns about crime, gambling addiction, or overpromising.
“I’ve lived here all my life,” said Deborah G., a Petersburg native who attended the groundbreaking but remained cautious. “We’ve heard promises before.”
But with shovel in soil and construction timelines already underway, the tone is shifting.
Business owners near the site have started prepping for a spike in foot traffic. Some are even considering expansions or new ventures.
“I might open a late-night diner,” said Marcus Lee, who owns a sandwich shop four blocks from the site. “It’s not every day you hear a billion-dollar casino’s moving in next door.”
A Look at What’s Coming
To get a clearer picture, here’s a quick snapshot of the project components:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temporary Casino Opening | Late 2025 |
| Full Resort Opening | 2027 |
| Hotel Rooms | 200 |
| Slot Machines | 1,600 |
| Table Games | 65 |
| Sportsbook | Yes |
| Concert Venue Capacity | 4,000 seats |
| Jobs Created | 7,500 (1,400 permanent) |
| Tax Revenue (10 years) | $504 million |
| Total Economic Impact | $2.8 billion (projected over a decade) |
The numbers are eye-popping. The promise is bold.
Now the real work begins — cranes, concrete, and construction workers.
And maybe, just maybe, Petersburg is about to play its strongest hand in decades.
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