Alliance of Democrat and Republicans could bring casino gambling to Virginia
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Virginia is one of 10 states that have no casinos. The state Senate and House of Delegates have approved a bill that would permit casinos in five cities and a slot machine palace in Prince William County. It was passed by a compromise between Democrats and Republicans. The bill is supported by deep-pocketed gambling outfits. They want to help push the legislation through. State Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) has been fighting the suspicion for 25 years. She is convinced that a casino would inject new life into her struggling city.
Alliance of Democrat and Republicans wants to bring casino gambling to Virginia. Portsmouth is a majority-black, urban seaport, Bristol is white and in the rural foothills of the Appalachians. The two cities have the same problems. The General Assembly had opened what amounted to a back door for casino gaming. Bristol suffered as the coal industry collapsed in Southwest Virginia and is mired in debt. It is also a city with antiquated schools and a poor infrastructure.
Lawmakers approved a deal to buy Colonial Downs track in New Kent County. The deal required off-track betting facilities stocked with historical horse racing machines. Rosie's Gaming Emporiums are in the area. Pamunkey Indians wanted to seek a casino under federal law. Five localities were jockeying for position. The legislature commissioned a study. It found that it is not necessary to bring casino gambling to Virginia. Governor Ralph Northam was under fire for a racist photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook.
Alliance of Democrat and Republicans could bring casino gambling to Virginia. In the 2018-2019 election cycle, casino advocates donated more than $1.7 million to politicians of both parties. Most of the increase came from companies or executives affiliated with Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, coal barons backing the Bristol casino effort. The study requested from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission projected that five casinos could generate $260 million yearly in state taxes. The bills advancing this year would let the five cities pick their development partners and then hold a local referendum on whether to allow the project.
The bills are not completely clear on the details of the proposed legislation. Some lawmakers are opposed to the entire effort. Northam is reviewing the legislation and does not have a position on any bill at this point. The bills also differ on taxation. The legislative session ends on March 7. Lucas is confident that her long crusade is about to pay off. She was introduced to Bristol city manager Eads in the Capitol. They are now working together. He is grateful. It wouldn't have happened without her. “It wouldn’t have been happened without you.”
