Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia Tops Out Construction on Site of Temporary Facility

The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise held a topping-out ceremony for Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg. The permanent facility rises on the same site as Live! Casino Virginia, the temporary gaming facility that opened in January. Officials from state and local government joined the developers to mark placement of the final commemorative beam.

David Cordish, CEO and chairman of The Cordish Companies, called the event a defining moment for the project and a milestone in Live! brand expansion. Cordish said the resort will set a new standard for gaming, hospitality and entertainment in Virginia. Bruce Smith, owner of Bruce Smith Enterprise, described the project as an extraordinary investment that will create opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.

Samuel Parham, mayor of Petersburg, said the development represents a major investment in the city and its people. The ceremony included presentation of a $15,929.82 check to Lending Helping Hands. This gift was made through the Live! “Change Maker” program, which has donated nearly $45,000 to nonprofits in the Greater Richmond Area since the program launch in January 2026, according to CDC Gaming.

Facility Scope and Schedule

The property at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95 will encompass 445,000+ square feet. Plans include more than 70 live table games with a 35-table poker room, a 200-room hotel with pool, spa and fitness center, a 70,000-square-foot multi-purpose event center and 20 dining and beverage outlets. The resort is scheduled to open in late 2027.

Economic and Employment Projections

Over its first 10 years the casino hotel is projected to generate $2.8 billion in economic stimulus, $504 million in tax revenues including $240 million to the City of Petersburg, $802 million in construction-phase economic benefits and $201 million in annual economic benefits thereafter. Total jobs are forecast at 7,700, consisting of 6,100 during construction and 1,600 permanent positions. Live! Casino Virginia has generated more than 600 permanent jobs for local and regional residents, including more than 100 table games dealer positions.

Reporting: CDC Gaming

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