Published on: October 15, 2025, 03:04h.
Updated on: October 15, 2025, 03:04h.
- Roanoke city leaders are considering the potential of establishing a casino.
- Currently, casino gambling in Virginia is restricted to five cities.
In 2020, Virginia legislators and former Governor Ralph Northam (D) legalized commercial casino gambling in designated cities.
At present, casinos are up and running in Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, and Petersburg. Now, a city in Southwest Virginia is vying to be the sixth location to host slot machines and live dealer games.
City officials in Roanoke shocked many with their announcement on Tuesday regarding their plans to assess the feasibility of introducing a casino at the Berglund Center. Established in 1971, this city-managed venue serves a variety of functions, hosting college and high school sporting events like basketball and ice hockey, conventions, and special attractions such as WWE and concerts.
“As the newly appointed city manager, it’s crucial to evaluate the city’s financial health and key assets, especially the Berglund Center,” stated Roanoke City Manager Valmarie Turner. “This venture presents a chance to create a vibrant entertainment district that would greatly enhance tourism, foster economic development, and increase revenue for both the city and the surrounding area — funds that can be reinvested into our neighborhoods, schools, public safety, and infrastructure.”
Currently, three casinos operate in Virginia: Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, and Caesars Virginia in Danville. Additionally, a temporary casino is set to launch next month in Norfolk, while preparations are ongoing for a provisional gaming facility in Petersburg.
Varied Perspectives
Casinos often evoke mixed reactions.
While they create jobs—both for construction and long-term employment—and can yield additional tax revenues for state and local governments, they also have the potential to energize communities through direct and indirect economic benefits. Critics, however, argue that casinos may lead to increased crime, declining property values, and negatively impact local businesses.
Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb emphasized that the city’s exploration of a casino stems from a desire to generate new economic activity and maintain the Southwest Virginia city’s competitiveness in attracting significant events and trade shows.
“The objective for this project is to stimulate economic development by expanding entertainment, dining, and lodging facilities, along with a renovated civic center,” Cobb articulated. “As Roanoke continues to grow in economic innovation, we are eager to create fresh opportunities for both residents and visitors in our Star City.”
Cobb added that a casino could facilitate enhancements to rail and airport services in Southwest Virginia.
Marc Nelson, Roanoke’s economic development director, indicated that a casino could act as a “catalyst for job creation throughout the region.”
“From hospitality to gaming to professional services, this represents a unique opportunity,” Nelson stated.
State Legislation Needed
For Roanoke, as an independent city, to request authorization for casino gambling through a local ballot initiative, modifications to state law are required first. No state legislator has yet shown interest in advocating for such a change.
A bill to enable Roanoke to hold a casino referendum may encounter opposition from lobbyists representing Caesars and Hard Rock, which currently operate casinos in Danville and Bristol, approximately 50 and 130 air miles away from Roanoke, respectively.