The Urban ONE Casino Project — you might also know it simply as “RVA Casino” or “ONE Casino” for short — has caused much conversation between supporters and naysayers alike since it first became a possibility for Richmonders back in 2021.

While voters initially chose against the casino’s construction in a close race of 39,824 “no” votes versus 37,999 “yes” votes, it now looks like the catchy chorus of Aaliyah’s number 1 hit “Try Again” will soon go into play down in VA now that the Virginia Lottery approved a preliminary application from Richmond and RVA Entertainment Holdings to put the proposal back on the city’s ballot this November.

 

BREAKING NEWS: My office is now in possession of the court order that authorizes me to place the casino referendum on the November ballot. I will be providing my Electoral Board an update today at our 2 o’clock meeting. pic.twitter.com/Vuv2ODX1Rt

— Office of Elections (@RVA_Votes) July 25, 2023

 

Although ONE Casino promises tiers of entertainment, premium lodging to promote tourism and employment in the Black community by a Black-owned media giant — shameless plug! — there’s still a good amount of locals who believe the multimedia haven could have negative results for Richmond, including increased traffic to the area and the overall promotion of gambling.

Take a look at what Mayor Levar Stoney had to say in response to the ballot approval for ONE Casino below, via NBC 12:

“I am excited to see the Virginia Lottery and the Richmond Circuit Court approve the referendum for a Richmond destination resort and entertainment venue that will provide 1,300 good-paying jobs and an estimated $30 million in annual revenue to tackle our community’s greatest needs. Richmond is experiencing record development and growth, and with the addition of a destination resort we will change the economic trajectory of Southside for years to come.”

In case you need a brief reminder of what ONE Casino is hoping to provide, see below for the shortlist:

Luxury hotel with resort amenities, including pool, spa, fitness center, etc.
Live entertainment and conference venues
High-end dining
Table games, slots, and a sportsbook
55-acre park and green space

If the proposal moved forward after Election Day, ONE Casino Resort would be a Black-owned casino.

In 2021, Urban One Inc. ventured into a partnership with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment — owner of Colonial Downs group and several gaming emporiums in Virginia — to propose a $517 million casino resort in South Richmond. It would have brought the construction of a 30,000-square-foot complex located south of the Philip Morris cigarette manufacturing complex in Richmond and included a 90,000 square feet casino, a 150-room hotel, restaurants, lounges and a 3,000-seat entertainment venue.

SEE ALSO:

Rev. Al Sharpton Weighs In On The Prospects Of A Black-Owned Casino In Richmond

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