URGENT UPDATE: Live! Casino & Hotel has officially announced that its highly anticipated temporary casino in Petersburg, Virginia, will open on January 22, 2026. This date marks a slight delay from earlier plans to launch by the end of this year.
The decision to postpone comes as the Cordish Companies and its development partner, Bruce Smith Enterprise, continue to work diligently on the permanent facility, expected to debut in 2027. The temporary venue is set to be a sprawling 75,000-square-foot air-conditioned pavilion tent, featuring approximately 900 slots and 33 live dealer table games.
This temporary casino aims to provide an immediate gaming experience to the community while the permanent casino is under construction. Located near Interstate 95 at Wagner Road, the venue promises to bring the full spectrum of the Live! Casino & Hotel brand to Virginia.
The permanent facility will significantly enhance the local gaming landscape, boasting 1,600 slots, 60 gaming tables, a sportsbook, and a host of other amenities, including 8 dining and beverage options, a pool complex, a fitness center, convention space, and a 4,000-seat theater. Depending on the success of the initial launch, further expansions may be considered, such as residential areas, office spaces, additional retail, and park facilities.
The journey to this launch began when Petersburg voters approved the casino resort in 2024, following two previous unsuccessful attempts in Richmond. This development positions Virginia as the fourth state where the Cordish Companies will operate a casino, joining their existing properties in Louisiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming, expressed excitement over the upcoming opening, stating he looks forward to providing a memorable experience as the region’s first full-scale casino.
As anticipation builds, the community eagerly awaits the launch of this temporary casino, which will set the stage for an exciting new era in Petersburg’s entertainment landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches, and don’t miss out on what promises to be a thrilling addition to Virginia’s gaming scene!
