After months of debate and speculation, Petersburg has finally made its decision on who will operate its upcoming casino. In a unanimous vote, the City Council has selected The Cordish Companies to oversee the development and management of the highly anticipated project.
The selection of Cordish comes after a competitive bidding process that saw several major gaming operators vying for the lucrative opportunity. Cordish, known for its successful casino properties across the country, including Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida, impressed city officials with its track record of creating vibrant entertainment destinations that drive economic growth and create jobs.
Mayor Samuel Parham expressed his excitement over the decision, stating, “Cordish has a proven track record of delivering world-class entertainment experiences, and we believe they are the perfect partner to help us realize our vision for a thriving casino in Petersburg.” The casino is expected to generate millions in revenue for the city annually, providing much-needed funding for essential services and infrastructure improvements.
The Cordish Companies has pledged to invest over $600 million in the construction of the Petersburg casino, which will feature a mix of gaming options, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 2,000 permanent jobs once the casino is operational.
In addition to the economic benefits, city officials are also hopeful that the casino will attract tourists and boost Petersburg’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination. Councilmember Treska Wilson-Smith commented, “This is a game-changer for our city. The Cordish Companies have a proven track record of revitalizing communities and we believe they will bring that same level of success to Petersburg.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the selection of Cordish, there are still some concerns among residents about the potential social impacts of a casino in their community. Council members have vowed to address these concerns by implementing measures to promote responsible gambling and provide support for those affected by addiction.
With Cordish now on board, Petersburg is one step closer to realizing its dream of a world-class casino destination. The city is expected to break ground on the project later this year, with an opening date scheduled for 2023. In the meantime, residents can look forward to a brighter future filled with entertainment, economic growth, and job opportunities.