#United States #Cordish Companies #Petersburg #Live Casino #Bruce Smith

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia Breaks Ground in Petersburg

On March 19, 2025, Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg, Virginia. This project marks a significant milestone in the region's economic development, aiming to reshape the local landscape through a transformative mixed-use resort destination.

A Vision for Petersburg

The Live! Casino & Hotel is part of a grand $1.4 billion master plan that aims to generate a wealth of economic opportunities while setting a new standard for the gaming and hospitality sectors in the Commonwealth. The development is strategically located on Brasfield Parkway, easily accessible from Interstate 95, just 20 miles south of Richmond.

Bruce Smith, founder of Bruce Smith Enterprise, expressed his excitement about the project, noting that it represents a shift in perception for Petersburg. He emphasized that this groundbreaking symbolizes a new era where Petersburg can emerge as a prime destination for tourism and business, ultimately offering better opportunities for local families.

Economic Impact

Upon its completion in 2027, the Live! Casino & Hotel is expected to substantially boost the economy of Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Key projections indicate that the project will create around 7,500 jobs, including 1,400 permanent positions, and generate approximately $2.8 billion in economic stimulus over the first decade. Tax revenues are expected to reach $504 million, with significant amounts allocated to Petersburg’s local coffers.

Before the full-scale opening, a temporary gaming facility is set to launch by the end of 2025, expected to create an additional 500 jobs straight away and provide vendor opportunities to local businesses.

The completed facility will boast:

• - 450,000 square feet of gaming, dining, and hotel space
• - 75,000 square feet dedicated to meetings, conventions, and entertainment, with a 4,000-seat venue anticipated for performances
• - An upscale hotel featuring 200 rooms and a resort-style pool
• - 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines and 65 live table games, including a poker room
• - A diverse selection of 10 dining options, attracting both locals and tourists alike
• - Ample free parking to accommodate visitors

Community Opportunities

The commitment to the local community does not end with job creation; there are robust plans for collaboration with local educational institutions, including training programs specially designed for future employees in gaming and hospitality roles. Furthermore, the developers aim to maintain diversity and inclusivity within the workforce.

Community engagement is equally pivotal, with efforts to promote local businesses through vendor fairs and outreach aimed at small, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises. These fairs will facilitate procurement opportunities, ensuring that millions of dollars are infused into the local economy.

Future Developments

As the Live! Casino & Hotel project unfolds, it promises to serve as an economic engine for the region. With a keen focus on supporting local nonprofits and participating in community initiatives, the partnership between the Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies is designed to create lasting impacts beyond gambling and entertainment.

Zed Smith, COO of The Cordish Companies, stated, “Our goal is to bring a world-class gaming and entertainment experience to Central Virginia while contributing meaningful benefits to the community.” This project is not only about profits; it's about uplifting a community and providing myriad opportunities for growth and success.

For continued updates on the development and opportunities at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, community members are encouraged to visit the official website at valive.casino.

As Petersburg stands on the cusp of this transformative era, the Live! Casino & Hotel venture signifies hope and pathway to prosperity for its residents, setting a benchmark for future developments in the area.