After years of anticipation, a temporary version of Live! Casino Virginia is now officially slated to welcome visitors on January 22, 2026, marking a major milestone for Petersburg’s long-running push to bring casino entertainment to the city. The announcement from The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise confirms that the project—dreamed about locally for years—is finally nearing its debut, pending final state regulatory approval.
The provisional facility is being constructed on the same expansive site off Interstate 95 where the permanent $1.4 billion Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will eventually rise. Both developers emphasized that the upcoming opening represents the first public-facing step toward a multiyear buildout that will culminate in one of the state’s largest casino destinations.
“After years of planning, we’re thrilled to see this vision become reality,” said Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming Group, according to Virginia Business. “When Live! Casino Virginia opens its doors, Central Virginia will experience something truly exceptional — the region’s first full-scale casino featuring the electrifying energy of Vegas-style slots, live-action table games and the signature excitement only Live! can deliver.”
The temporary casino will span approximately 75,000 square feet, equipped with 900 slot machines, 33 table games, and a bar and quick-service dining area. Developers expect the facility to create between 500 and 580 jobs, including about 100 positions for table dealers, as hiring continues through the city’s recruitment center on West Washington Street.
Penny Parayo, senior vice president and general manager for the casino, noted the team’s push to meet the fast-approaching deadline. “Our team has been working hard day and night to be able to welcome guests through our doors for the first time in January,” she said, reiterating confidence in the project timeline.
Construction Moves Forward on the Full-Scale Resort
Work on the permanent destination began in March and is expected to continue through 2027. The full complex—spanning roughly 445,000 square feet—will feature a 200-room upscale hotel, more than 70,000 square feet of meeting and entertainment space, a 3,000-seat venue, and nearly 20 food and beverage outlets. Gaming options will expand dramatically with 1,600 slot machines, more than 60 live-action table games, a high-limit area, and a 22-table poker room, along with a sportsbook.
Developers and city officials anticipate that Live! Casino Virginia will serve as a significant long-term economic engine for Petersburg. Estimates project the casino could generate $204 million in annual revenue and economic impact, adding up to $2.8 billion within the first decade.
Mayor Sam Parham underscored the transformation the project represents, stating, “The temporary casino, and eventually the permanent destination resort, are going to transform the region, while shaping the future of our City for generations to come.”
Community Momentum and Regional Growth
Support for the casino solidified in November 2024 when more than 80% of local voters approved the Petersburg referendum allowing the project to advance. The push for a casino in the region surged after Richmond voters rejected similar proposals in 2021 and 2023, opening the door for Petersburg to make a successful bid.
The temporary casino’s location near I-95’s Exit 48B is expected to be a strategic draw. As co-developer Bruce Smith noted, “In the past, travelers have simply driven past this area for other points of interest. From January 22 onwards, visitors will make the choice to come here as a prime destination.”
When Petersburg’s resort is complete, it will join Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth as Virginia’s five authorized casino cities. Three casinos—Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Bristol, and Caesars Virginia—are already operating, while the Norfolk casino continues construction following long delays.
