At the recent Virginia Senate budget amendment meeting, it was agreed to delay another referendum on the project until November 2023 at the earliest. 

The One Casino, backed by Urban One, has promised an additional 1,500 jobs to the city of Richmond, Virginia, although unions have questioned the validity of those claims.  

United Here Local 25 believes any jobs created would be low-quality, base-paying positions with poor benefits and little sustainability.  

Sam Epps, Political Director, Unite Here Local 25, commented: “With skyrocketing costs of living and our recovery from the pandemic underway, casino workers in Virginia need jobs that pay good wages and benefits.  

“That is why we strongly support the further study of state and local revenue impacts, so we can ensure any new casino creates equitable economic development and high-quality jobs.” 

Urban One is a media company predominantly owned, operated by and targeted towards black Americans. Despite championing the rights of black people in America, those against the new casino project believe it will not help the cause for equality. 

Epps continued: “We are workers disproportionately affected by income inequality and bad jobs. Workers need to understand how they will benefit from new casino development before it moves forward.” 

The new casino project has been in the planning stages since early 2021. During that year, the project received its first delay, following a failed proposal to the Senate.

While Richmond City Council voted to revive the referendum in January 2022, discussions have now been pushed back by a further 18 months. Unite Here Local 25 welcomed the decision.