Virginia casino resort reaches construction milestone ahead of 2027 opening
The project is projected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus for the region over its first decade.
PETERSBURG — The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise have raised the final commemorative beam at the construction site of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, marking a major milestone ahead of the resort's scheduled opening in late 2027.
"The topping out of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is a defining moment for this project and a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the Live! brand nationwide," said David Cordish, CEO and chairman of The Cordish Companies.
He said the resort will "establish a new standard for gaming, hospitality and entertainment in the Commonwealth."
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The project is projected to generate $2.8 billion in regional economic stimulus over its first decade, including $504 million in tax revenues, of which $240 million would go to the City of Petersburg.
"Today marks a significant moment in Petersburg’s continued transformation," said Petersburg Mayor Samuel Parham.
"Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia represents a major investment in our city and our people, creating jobs, generating economic opportunity and bringing new energy and activity to Petersburg."
The resort is expected to support 7,700 jobs, including 6,100 during construction and 1,600 permanent positions.
More than 600 permanent employees already work at the temporary Live! Casino Virginia, which opened on the same site in January 2026.
The permanent resort will add approximately 1,000 jobs across gaming, hospitality, security, food service, administration and other operations.
Resort features
The property, located near Interstate 95 and Wagner Road, will contain over 445,000 square feet of gaming and hospitality facilities.
Plans include more than 1,600 slot machines, over 70 table games, a 35-table poker room, a sportsbook, a 200-room hotel, a pool, spa and fitness centre, and a 70,000-square-foot event centre.
The resort will also feature 20 dining and beverage venues, including Sports & Social, The Prime Rib and Luk Fu.
Sports & Social will occupy 8,000 square feet and feature an 82-foot-wide, 14-foot-tall LED screen for sporting events.
The Prime Rib will offer steak and seafood dining, while Luk Fu will serve Pan-Asian cuisine.
The ceremony also included a $15,929.82 donation to Lending Helping Hands through the casino's Change Maker program, which collects guests' remaining winnings change for nonprofit organizations.
Since January, the initiative has contributed nearly $45,000 to nonprofits in the Greater Richmond area.
The developers also plan to purchase tens of millions of dollars in goods and services locally.
A contractor and vendor fair, organized with AnderCorp and the Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, is scheduled for October 14 at the Petersburg Public Library.
It targets local suppliers, minority- and women-owned businesses, and veteran-owned enterprises.
Meanwhile, the Richard Bland College Dealer Institute will begin another free seven-week training program on November 16, covering table game operations, customer service, and regulatory requirements.
"Today is an exciting milestone not only for Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, but also for the City of Petersburg and the entire region," said Bruce Smith, owner of Bruce Smith Enterprise.
"This project represents an extraordinary investment in the region’s future, creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors."
Isabelle Moreau is the editor of Novello Desserts and writes about family life and everyday living in Canada. The editor signs off on corrections and editorial standards.