Petersburg Set to Welcome Temporary Casino in 2026

Petersburg, October 26, 2025

News Summary

Petersburg will introduce a temporary casino in January 2026, generating 500 jobs. Located off Interstate 95, the facility will feature 900 slot machines and 33 table games, alongside dining amenities. This casino precedes a larger permanent project costing $1.4 billion, expected to be completed by 2027 and bringing additional economic benefits to the area.

Petersburg is set to welcome a temporary casino in January 2026, creating 500 jobs as confirmed by the Pennsylvania-based developer The Cordish Cos. This facility will be strategically located on a 100-acre site off Interstate 95, near Wagner Road and Brasfield Parkway, and will serve as a prelude to a more extensive permanent casino project planned for the same area.

The temporary casino will cover 75,000 square feet, featuring 900 slot machines and 33 live-action table games. Additional amenities will include a bar and a quick-service restaurant, providing entertainment and dining options for visitors. Originally slated to open at the end of 2025, the launch date has been postponed due to ongoing regulatory approval processes, which are essential for the project’s progression.

Casino spokesperson Renee Mutchnik announced that they are currently reviewing job applications and conducting interviews to fill the 500 positions expected to be created with the opening of the temporary facility. The Cordish Cos., along with Bruce Smith Enterprise, broke ground on the permanent casino and hotel resort in March 2025. This major development is projected to cost $1.4 billion and is slated for completion in 2027, promising an additional 1,400 permanent jobs for the local economy.

The completed resort will encompass over 450,000 square feet dedicated to gaming, lodging, and dining. Future plans include 75,000 square feet allocated for meetings, conventions, and entertainment, along with an expanded array of gaming options featuring 1,600 slot machines and 65 live-action table games. The initiation of the temporary casino is part of a broader initiative involving five casino projects within Virginia.

Currently, Virginia is home to operating casinos such as Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Bristol Casino, and Caesars Virginia in Danville. Additionally, a Norfolk casino is under construction, developed by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe in partnership with Boyd Gaming.

Petersburg’s approval for the casino venture came after a local referendum in November 2020, where approximately 80% of residents voted in favor of the project. This gaming facility is expected to significantly boost the local economy, with an estimated revenue of $2.8 billion generated from the casino, contributing an estimated $240 million directly to Petersburg.

As part of community engagement initiatives, a dealer school will be hosted in collaboration with Richard Bland College starting in the summer of 2026. Furthermore, local businesses are invited to an informative event concerning the casino scheduled for April 9 at the Petersburg Public Library.

Penny Parayo has been appointed as senior vice president and general manager for both the temporary and permanent casino facilities, overseeing the operations and ensuring a smooth transition from the temporary installation to the permanent resort.

Casino Overview:

• Temporary Casino Opening: January 2026
• Jobs Created: 500
• Location: 100-acre site off Interstate 95, near Wagner Road and Brasfield Parkway
• Square Footage: 75,000
• Slot Machines: 900
• Table Games: 33
• Amenities: Bar and quick-service restaurant
• Permanent Casino Opening: 2027

Financial Impact:

• Permanent Casino Cost: $1.4 billion
• Permanent Jobs Created: 1,400
• Projected Casino Revenue: $2.8 billion
• Revenue Contribution to Petersburg: $240 million

Current Casinos in Virginia:

• Rivers Casino Portsmouth
• Hard Rock Bristol Casino
• Caesars Virginia in Danville
• Norfolk Casino (under construction)

Upcoming Events:

• Dealer School: Starting Summer 2026, in partnership with Richard Bland College
• Local Business Informative Event: April 9 at Petersburg Public Library

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Additional Resources

• Virginia Business: Temporary Petersburg Casino
• Wikipedia: Casino
• Richmond: Government and Politics
• Google Search: Petersburg Casino
• WRIC: Petersburg Casino Brasfield Parkway
• Google Scholar: Virginia Casino Economics
• WTVR: Petersburg Casino Changes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gambling
• 12 on Your Side: Petersburg Casino Groundbreaking
• Google News: Petersburg Casino Project

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