PETERSBURG — A temporary casino will open its doors on January 22, 2026, in Petersburg, marking a pivotal moment for a city that has endured decades of economic hardship. The 75,000-square-foot facility, housed in a white tent structure along Interstate 95, represents the first phase of a $1.4 billion development that city leaders describe as the largest economic project in Petersburg’s history.
Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia announced the opening date for its temporary facility while construction continues on the permanent resort complex on the same 100-acre site off Wagner Road. The temporary casino will feature more than 900 slot machines, over 30 table games, a bar, quick-service restaurant, and parking for more than 1,000 vehicles.
Economic Lifeline for Struggling City
Petersburg voters overwhelmingly approved the casino project in a November 2024 referendum, with more than 80% casting ballots in favor of bringing gaming to their community. The decision came as the city faced mounting economic challenges following the closure of major employers, including a Walmart distribution center and several manufacturing facilities that once anchored the local economy.
The temporary facility alone is expected to create approximately 500 jobs, including positions for 100 table game dealers who will undergo training at the casino’s free dealer school. The four-week blackjack training program has already begun recruiting participants as Live! Casino Virginia works to build its workforce ahead of the January opening.
City officials project the casino development will generate $504 million in total economic stimulus over its first decade of operation, with $240 million in tax revenue flowing directly to Petersburg’s coffers. These funds are earmarked for critical infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and community development initiatives in a city that has struggled with budget constraints for years.
Tent to Tower: Phased Development Strategy
The temporary casino serves as a stopgap measure while The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise complete construction on the permanent Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, expected to open in late 2027. The full resort will encompass approximately 445,000 square feet of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment space.
When complete, the permanent facility will feature 1,600 slot machines, more than 60 live-action table games including a 22-table poker room, and dedicated high-limit gaming areas. The resort will also include a sportsbook, an upscale 200-room hotel with 25 suites, a resort pool and fitness center, and nearly 20 food and beverage outlets featuring partnerships with local businesses.
The development will offer more than 70,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and entertainment space, positioning Petersburg to compete for regional conferences and events that have historically bypassed the city. Free parking will be available to all guests, addressing accessibility concerns in a market where parking fees can deter casual visitors.
Aggressive Hiring Campaign Underway
Live! Casino Virginia has established a recruitment center at 1501 West Washington Street in Petersburg’s former Pepsi Warehouse, where the hiring team is conducting daily interviews for hundreds of positions. The casino is seeking dealers, security personnel, guest services representatives, food and beverage staff, and management positions across all departments.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening date of Live! Casino Virginia on January 22, 2026,” said Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Live! Casino Virginia. “Our team has been working hard day and night to be able to welcome guests through our doors for the first time in January. We encourage anyone interested in joining our team to visit us at our recruitment center as we continue building a strong, diverse workforce.”
The permanent casino is projected to employ approximately 1,400 people when it reaches full operations, making it one of the largest employers in the Petersburg metropolitan area. Wages for casino positions typically exceed local averages, with dealers earning base pay plus tips that can significantly boost total compensation.
Virginia’s Expanding Gaming Landscape
The Petersburg casino will become Virginia’s fifth legal gaming facility, joining three already-operational venues and another under construction in Norfolk. Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Bristol, and Caesars Virginia in Danville have collectively demonstrated strong performance since launching operations, with Virginia’s casino industry posting nearly 30% year-over-year revenue growth in recent reporting periods.
The commonwealth’s casino expansion follows legislative approval in 2020 that authorized up to five commercial casino licenses in economically distressed cities. Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth joined Petersburg in successfully passing local referendums to approve casino development.
Virginia’s casino market has proven particularly robust, with existing facilities generating substantial tax revenue for their host communities while attracting visitors from neighboring states where gaming options remain limited. The strategic location of Petersburg’s casino along Interstate 95, midway between Richmond and the North Carolina border, positions it to capture traffic from one of the East Coast’s busiest travel corridors.
Regulatory Approval and Timeline
The January 22, 2026 opening date remains subject to final regulatory approval from the Virginia Lottery Board, which oversees casino licensing and compliance in the commonwealth. The temporary facility was originally targeted for a late 2025 opening, but the timeline shifted to accommodate the regulatory review process.
The Cordish Companies, based in Baltimore, brings extensive casino development experience to the Petersburg project, having successfully launched Live! Casino properties in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia. The partnership with Bruce Smith Enterprise, a Virginia Beach-based development firm led by former NFL star Bruce Smith, adds local expertise and community connections to the venture.
Construction on the permanent resort complex continues simultaneously with preparations for the temporary casino opening, with workers visible on the 100-acre site daily as the project advances toward its late 2027 completion target. The phased approach allows the developers to begin generating revenue and establishing market presence while completing the larger resort infrastructure.
Community Impact and Expectations
For Petersburg residents, the casino represents more than just a new entertainment venue—it symbolizes hope for economic revitalization in a community that has watched neighboring cities flourish while their own municipality struggled. The influx of jobs, tax revenue, and visitors could catalyze additional development in surrounding areas, spurring restaurant openings, retail expansion, and residential growth.
City leaders have emphasized their commitment to ensuring casino revenues translate into tangible improvements for residents, with funds designated for school improvements, road repairs, public safety equipment, and parks and recreation facilities. The success or failure of this development will likely shape Petersburg’s trajectory for decades to come, making the January 22 opening date a milestone moment in the city’s modern history.
