Cordish Archives

Petersburg is preparing for a major milestone as the temporary Live! Casino Virginia moves toward a January 22, 2026 opening, pending final sign off from state regulators. The launch marks the city first step toward a massive 1.4 billion permanent resort slated to open the following year. Good to Know The temporary casino is scheduled to open January 22, 2026, subject to approval. The permanent 1.4 billion resort is planned for 2027 on a 100 acre site. Developers expect 1,400 jobs once the full complex is complete. Temporary Casino Prepares For Opening As Construction Progresses The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise are building the project on land off Interstate 95 at Exit 48B, where crews began work on the permanent resort in March. The temporary facility is designed to bring gaming and entertainment to Petersburg while the main complex takes shape. Cordish Gaming Group President Rob Norton described the progress with enthusiasm. He said: “After years of planning, we are thrilled to see this vision become reality. When Live! Casino Virginia opens its doors, Central Virginia will experience something truly exceptional — the region first full scale casino featuring the electrifying energy of Vegas style slots, live action table games and the signature excitement only Live can deliver.” Hiring is underway for roughly 500 positions, including about 100 table game dealers. Penny Parayo, senior vice president and general manager for the property, said the team is putting in long hours to hit the January target. She said the staff has been working around the clock to prepare for opening day. Developers originally targeted late 2025 for the temporary site but shifted the timeline because approvals from the Virginia Lottery were not expected before year end. The January date reflects confidence that the regulatory process will wrap up in time. What The Temporary Casino Will Include The temporary location covers 75,000 square feet and will offer more than 900 slot machines, over 30 table games, a bar, a quick service dining option and more than 1,000 parking spaces. It will operate until the permanent resort is ready in 2027. The 2027 Resort Will Be A Major Regional Destination The permanent property will span 445,000 square feet and include 1,600 slot machines, more than 60 table games, a 200 room hotel with suites, a retail sportsbook, close to 20 dining and bar concepts and more than 70,000 square feet of entertainment and convention space. Developers expect the full resort to employ about 1,400 people. Bruce Smith, founder of Bruce Smith Enterprise, said the site location is one of its biggest strengths. He noted that travelers who long bypassed the area will soon have a compelling reason to stop. He said that once doors open on January 22, Petersburg becomes a destination rather than a pass through point. Voters Approved The Project With Overwhelming Support Petersburg voters backed the casino overwhelmingly in November 2024, with more than 80 percent supporting the referendum. The victory came after several years of legislative debate and a pair of failed casino votes in neighboring Richmond. Mayor Sam Parham said the city expects the casino to reshape Petersburg future. He said: “The impact Live! Casino Virginia is having on Petersburg is significant. The temporary casino, and eventually the permanent destination resort, are going to transform the region, while shaping the future of our City for generations to come. This is just the start of an exciting new chapter.” Economic Impact Expected To Be Transformational Forecasts suggest the resort could generate about 204 million annually for Petersburg once fully operational and roughly 2.8 billion over its first decade. The 94 acre development site is also expected to attract additional commercial projects as the new resort becomes an economic anchor for the region.

Cordish

Live! Casino Virginia Sets January Opening For Temporary Petersburg Site As Work Continues On 1.4 Billion Resort

Cordish Gaming Names Greg Hinton as VP of Finance for Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana

Cordish Clinches Petersburg Casino Contract