Roanoke Leaders Keep Casino Option Alive as Virginia Senate Advances Fairfax Proposal
Roanoke is studying a casino redevelopment without legislation in hand. At the same time, the Virginia Senate advances a Fairfax proposal, and early revenue from Petersburg’s temporary casino adds fresh context to the debate.
Roanoke officials are keeping alive a casino-anchored redevelopment of the Berglund Center — even though no legislation has been introduced for the city this session — while the Virginia Senate has advanced a separate bill that would authorize a casino in Fairfax County.
In Virginia, the Legislature must approve a casino site, which is then sent to residents for approval via referendum.
Roanoke: Study First, Legislation Later
According to the latest reporting from Cardinal News, local efforts are shifting toward analysis rather than immediate legislation. Del. Sam Rasoul has proposed a state budget amendment that would allocate $600,000 to study redevelopment options for downtown Roanoke, including the Berglund Center site.
Rasoul made clear that the funding request is not an endorsement of a casino itself, saying in a Facebook post:
“A casino is not the answer, but our city still needs investment.”
The city has formed a focus group to examine the Berglund Center’s long-term viability. The venue requires substantial annual subsidies from the city, and officials are weighing options for its future, including potentially a casino, to generate revenue.
In October, Mayor Joe Cobb said the goal is to inspire economic growth by exploring investment opportunities to transform the venue into an entertainment district. At the end of 2025, the mayor said that the majority of the City Council supported exploring the possibility of a casino.
Residents and several local legislators have spoken against a casino, citing concerns of addiction and crime.
There is no active casino authorization bill for Roanoke this session. Additionally, the introduction deadline has passed — effectively closing the door on any 2026 legislative action. Still, the strategy for now appears to be to lay economic and political groundwork rather than push a bill that lacks sufficient support in Richmond.
Fairfax Casino Bill Clears Senate
While Roanoke studies options, the Virginia Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Scott Surovell to authorize a casino in Fairfax County, subject to local approval.
The Senate approved a similar Surovell proposal last year. However, it stalled in the House — underscoring that passage in one chamber does not guarantee final approval.
Significant resistance remains in Fairfax County. Last year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors narrowly voted to oppose any casino legislation unless the board explicitly requests it and it is paired with specific guardrails.
Additionally, an October poll showed that 75% of Fairfax voters oppose a casino in Tysons. Public reaction remains mixed, with residents divided over economic benefits versus infrastructure and social concerns.
If ultimately approved by the House and signed by the governor, Fairfax voters would decide whether to allow the development.
VA’s Newest Casino in Petersburg’s Early Casino Revenue Adds Context
Meanwhile, Virginia’s newest casino has released its first results since its opening in late January. Live! Casino Virginia’s temporary facility in Petersburg generated $4.7 million in revenue in its first 10 days of operation.
That early performance significantly outpaces Norfolk’s temporary gaming launch in November. Norfolk’s Interim Gaming Hall generated approximately $1.4 million in its first 23 days. Norfolk’s facility has a much smaller footprint, with 132 slot machines and no table games, compared to Petersburg’s 926 slots and 32 table games.
Compared with similar temporary launches, Petersburg’s pace tracks closer to Hard Rock Bristol’s opening performance of $11.7 million in its first month. It still trails Caesars Virginia’s stronger debut. The Danville property reported $12 million in its first two weeks.
More recent Virginia Lottery data shows the state’s permanent casino market continuing to mature. In January, Caesars generated $30.5 million in revenue and $5.5 million in tax revenue. Meanwhile, Hard Rock reported $19.5 million in revenue and $3.5 million in tax revenue.
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