A state Senate panel made some decisions on the initial batch of gambling bills on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Richmond, Virginia
According to the Virginia Mercury about casinos in the state, Richmond appears to be out permanently.
It did not take the General Laws and Technology Committee long to reject a bill 15-0. This will permanently remove Richmond from the list of cities eligible to host casinos after voters rejected casino referendums in 2021 and 2023.
Senator Lamont Bagby, D-Richmond, told colleagues as he presented the bill:
“I’m voted in by the people of the city of Richmond. And they’ve said twice that they don’t want it.”
Petersburg, Virginia
Petersburg seems to be in. The city is getting a favorable reception as the committee easily approved legislation adding the smaller, economically struggling city south of Richmond to the list of approved cities.
Senator Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, said she feels her city meets all the criteria lawmakers had in mind when they passed a 2020 law allowing casinos in areas in need of revitalization.