Virginia's budget deal clears Richmond's second casino referendum but ties licensing to legislative study on Petersburg's rival bid
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Virginia's new state budget agreement includes language that would delay state licensing of a proposed casino in South Richmond even if voters approve it in November's second referendum. The new budget deal would not allow the Virginia Lottery to license the facility if it's approved until after the completion of the legislative study of Petersburg's potential rival site.
Virginia's budget deal clears Richmond's second casino referendum but ties licensing to legislative study on Petersburg's rival bid. House Appropriations Chair Barry Knight said: "They can have a referendum if they want to, but we just won't agree to issue the license." Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, opposed the second referendum and pushed instead to allow a potential casino resort in Petersburg. He promised to propose legislation in the General Assembly next year to let Petersburg apply for a license to develop and operate a casino. He persuaded Senate Finance leaders to include a provision in February that would direct the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the viability of a Casino resort.
