City officials moot possible casino in Roanoke, Virginia
A casino in Roanoke would require a change in state law and approval from local voters.
US.- Roanoke has become the latest city in Virginia to consider the development of a casino. At a press conference at the Civic Center this week, city officials said that a casino in Roanoke is being considered for the Berglund Center, a multi-purpose arena whose future is under review.
The venue would have restaurants, a hotel and parking, and the city would get 6 per cent of the first $100m in gaming revenue generated each year for investment in neighborhoods, schools, infrastructure and public safety.
City manager Valmarie Turner said the aim would be to “create an entertainment district that would significantly enhance tourism, stimulate economic growth, and generate increased revenue for both the City and the region.”
Discussions are in early stages, and such a move would require a change in state law and approval from local voters. However, according to the Roanoke Rambler, mayor Joe Cobb has said that the city already has a prospective casino operator in mind. He did not disclose the name. City officials were reported to have signed non-disclosure agreements with the potential partner.
The timeframe, costs and other aspects of the project were not announced. Cobb commented: “Whatever people may say, Roanoke is the hub. It’s the heartbeat of this region. And so anything we can do to strengthen that heartbeat and keep it healthy and vital, it’s important.”
Some state lawmakers have already expressed opposition to the proposal, arguing that potential harms outweigh benefits. Two Republican state legislators, Sen. David Sutterlein and Del. Joe McNamara, issued a joint statement.
“The City should not double down on its terrible decision to use eminent domain against Roanokers during ‘urban renewal’ to build the civic center decades ago by installing a casino there now,” Suetterlein said.
Under Virginia law, casinos are only permitted in the cities of Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Petersburg. To allow a casino in Roanoke, the General Assembly would have to pass legislation to allow a referendum, in which residents would be able to vote on whether they want a casino in the city.
