The timeline to open casinos in Virginia hinges on the licensing process. There is a longer timeline that includes public comment periods for the passage of permanent regulations. The purpose of investigations, which include a background check of financial holdings and other key items, is to make sure the operators and suppliers are “above board,” deputy general counsel Bob Fontaine told the Lottery Board in February. All permits and license applications are subject to a $50,000 investigation fee. The regulations have to be approved by the governor in April.Ī facility operator license is good for 10 years, with a $15 million issuance fee.

The emergency regulations include operator license and permit requirements and fees. The applications are coming from operators that have been approved by the cities. The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2020 allowing for casinos to operate in Virginia.Īhead of accepting applications, the Virginia Lottery Board passed emergency casino regulations at its February meeting. The city received at least six proposals by developers and is likely to select one in June.

Voters in all four cities overwhelmingly passed referendums in November 2020 to allow for casinos to be built in Virginia.Ī fifth casino in Richmond is on a lagged timeline, with it coming up for a vote in November.

Four casino operators are preparing for next steps leading to groundbreaking in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol and Danville - maybe this year.Īpplications will open for collection by the Virginia Lottery Board in April.

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