Live! Casino’s temporary facility opens in Petersburg

PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) - Live! Casino’s temporary gaming facility opened Thursday night to hundreds of eager guests, many of whom waited in long lines to enter the 75,000-square-foot facility.

“I knew there was going to be a lot of people here, that’s why we came a little bit early, we came about quarter til, so it was still about an hour, hour and a half wait,” George Friend said. “But it was worth it, it’s good development, good for the city.”

The temporary casino features more than 900 slot machines and 30 live action table games, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham called the opening a turning point in the city’s history. He said the facility is the largest economic impact project in Petersburg’s history.

“The opening of this facility is not just about building or a business it’s about the people of Petersburg, it’s about you, the citizens who overwhelmingly voted yes,” Parham said.

About 80% of Petersburg residents voted yes to allow a casino to operate in the city back in November of 2024.

More than 500 people are working at the temporary facility.

Thousands more are expected to be hired once the permanent hotel and casino resort opens.

In its first 10 years of operations, the facility is expected to bring billions of dollars to the region and $240 million in tax dollars to Petersburg alone.

At the grand opening, Cordish Gaming Group presented the city of Petersburg with a $15 million installment of additional money.

“As we build this facility, as we grow, we will continue to lift this facility, this town, the people around it,” said Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming Group.

Visitors must be at least 21 years old and have a valid government ID. Phones are allowed inside the facility but filming is not permitted.

Even with a the inclement winter weather expected this weekend, the casino plans to stay open.

The group said the tent’s structure is built to withstand all kinds of weather.

The permanent hotel and casino resort is expected to open in 2027, approximately 24 months from now, according to Live! Casino.