Last week, the plan to see Petersburg, Virginia turn into the state’s fifth city that would host a casino came one step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to the Virginia Senate clearing Senate Bill 628 that could give the green light to a casino in the city.

Now, according to a unanimous decision announced by the Petersburg City Council, the next phase in advancing a Destination Resort project is underway. 

Proposals from Operators and Developers Are Expected

The fresh resolution is leading the way for a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on February 12 that encourages proposals from casino operators and developers in regard to the “comprehensive economic development project, including a destination resort, real estate development, retail, event venue, and casino.”

Proposals can be presented before March 18 at 10 a.m. EST. 

The council’s resolution has justified the RFP using the argument that tax revenue from this type of gaming resort could be employed for the benefit of local infrastructure, education, health, public safety, recreation, parks, and a variety of other initiatives that are expected to build wealth in the community.

Petersburg Thanks Virginia Lawmakers

Virginia state legislation that was passed in 2020 allowed five cities to weigh a commercial casino. The casino referendums held in Bristol, Norfolk, Danville, and Portsmouth were all successful. 

Richmond voters, however, rejected the idea of having a casino in the city two times in 2021 and 2023.

Ever since the Petersburg City Council has attempted to gain the right to a similar referendum to ask residents if they would like to have a casino resort in the town. 

Since Richmond’s casino prospects appear to be close to zero, state lawmakers appreciated the idea of seeing Petersburg qualify for sports betting, slot machines, and table games.

The Senate Bill’s chief patron, Senator Lashrecse Aird, together with Senator Louise Lucas, has played a crucial role in advocating for the city’s inclusion “as a host city in General Assembly legislation.”

According to the City Council, the legislative milestone accurately showcases the “collaborative efforts between Petersburg officials and Senator Aird in advancing the bill” and encourages local community members to engage and show support for it. 

The Resort Would Include a Casino and 500 Hotel Rooms

The Petersburg RFP features a number of detailed guidelines and recommendations, including a mandatory casino, at least 500 four-star hotel rooms, retail shopping, dining and drinking venues, as well as an entertainment venue.

Petersburg would also only partner with a reputable casino brand with a proven record of financial sustainability and success. 

City councilors have also expressed their preference to see the hotel component featuring two separate offerings from well-known hoteliers.

The post Petersburg City Council Votes Resolution to Advance Destination Resort Project appeared first on Keno Wizard.

According to KX News, an amendment created by Sen. Larry Luick to remove universities, colleges, and high schools from House Concurrent Resolution 3002 failed by one vote of 24 to 23 earlier this week.

This means that the text of the resolution as it was originally presented will be subject to voting by the Senate. The purpose of the resolution is to place a constitutional measure that would give the green light to professional sports betting in North Dakota on the ballot in November 2024.

Changes in the Text of the Resolution

The amendment created by the Senate Judiciary on Wednesday would have changed the wording used by the legislative assembly from “shall” in regard to the authorization of sports betting to “may.”

The same amendment would have also added the phrase “to be conducted on professional sports” to the text. This would have helped guarantee that sports betting would not be allowed on the grounds of educational institutions.

Sen. Larry Luick, R-Dis. 25, Fairmount spoke about the “serious problems with mental health issues” recorded among athletes in universities, colleges, and high schools. He put the emphasis on matters like anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion, describing them as “increasing intensively.”

The Senator also spoke about the way in which allowing gambling in schools would be a sure path to generating financial issues for students living on campuses where sports betting would be allowed.

Gambling on Certain Players Would Influence Players

Sen. Luick also took the opportunity to address the matter of players that might be influenced by social media to perform in a certain way on the field, depending on the bets placed on them.

Referencing prop bets which are side bets on sporting events that might negatively influence athletes in North Dakota, Sen. Luick gave the example of people harassing athletes and their families to generate a certain result for an upcoming match.

Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Dis. 18, Grand Forks spoke about the lack of a clear reference regarding high school or collegiate athletics in Resolution 3002, explaining how important it is to keep the constitution clean.

House Concurrent Resolution 3002 was sent for hearing to the House Judiciary Committee by Greg Stemen at the start of the year. In North Dakota, the Senate represents the upper house of the Legislative Assembly and it is smaller than the House of Representatives.

Ultimately, residents in North Dakota will have the final say on whether to allow sports betting outside of tribal casinos to become legal in their state or deny it.

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