The opening of the temporary casino by Live! Casino & Hotel in Petersburg, Virginia, is officially scheduled for January 22, 2026. While the company initially aimed to launch the venue by the end of 2025, delays prompted by various circumstances have led to the revised date. The temporary facility will serve as a precursor to the anticipated permanent casino and hotel complex under construction nearby.
Details of the Temporary Casino
The temporary casino will span 75,000 square feet and will be housed in an air-conditioned pavilion tent. It is designed to accommodate approximately 900 slot machines and 33 live dealer table games. This venue aims to provide visitors with an authentic Live! Casino & Hotel experience while the permanent establishment is under development.
Located adjacent to the construction site near Interstate 95 at Wagner Road, the temporary casino is part of a larger vision for the area. The permanent facility, expected to be completed in 2027, will offer an impressive array of features, including 1,600 slots, 60 gaming tables, and a sportsbook. Additionally, it will boast multiple dining options, a pool complex, a fitness center, convention space, and a 4,000-seat theater.
Future Expansion Plans
Depending on the success of the temporary venue, The Cordish Companies may explore further expansions. Potential developments could include residential areas, office spaces, additional retail, and recreational parks, enhancing the region’s overall appeal.
Approval for the casino project in Virginia was granted in 2024 after local voters in Petersburg supported the initiative. This followed two unsuccessful attempts to establish a casino resort in Richmond. With this development, Virginia will become the fourth state to host a casino operated by The Cordish Companies, which currently has properties in Louisiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Rob Norton, the president of Cordish Gaming, expressed enthusiasm regarding the project’s progress. He emphasized the significance of delivering a memorable experience as the region’s first full-scale casino. While this will be the initial venture of its kind in Petersburg, Cordish has already established a presence in Virginia through its involvement in the Norfolk Waterside District development.
As the opening date approaches, anticipation builds around the impact of the temporary casino on the local economy and tourism, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Petersburg’s hospitality and gaming landscape.
