Published on: December 4, 2025, 11:25h.
Updated on: December 4, 2025, 11:30h.
- Roanoke attracts interest from a casino developer
- The local government is weighing a gaming initiative
- Legislative approval needed for a Roanoke casino
Roanoke’s local government has indicated that a casino resort could be a lucrative opportunity for the area, with a casino developer already expressing interest.
On Monday, the City Council of Roanoke approved its legislative goals for measures it aims to advance in the Virginia State Capitol next year. While there was consideration to designate the Star City for a casino license, the gaming initiative was ultimately omitted.
Nevertheless, the Roanoke Rambler reports that city leaders remain committed to bringing slot machines to the Berglund Special Events Center, albeit through a different approach. Mayor Joe Cobb disclosed to the local news platform that there is a “new path” to pursue the casino initiative.
The majority of the council is in favor of progressing with the casino plan,” Cobb stated.
It’s important to note that the City Council in Roanoke lacks the power to sanction a casino within its jurisdiction. Only the General Assembly in Richmond can authorize a statute for Roanoke to hold a local ballot referendum seeking voter approval for a casino project.
Behind-the-Scenes Casino Negotiations
Cobb acknowledged to the Roanoke Rambler that city officials have entered into a nondisclosure agreement with a casino developer to facilitate discussions, likely leading to a state lobbying effort. So far, Roanoke’s state lawmakers have shown reluctance to support a casino bill that would qualify Roanoke for casino operations, alongside cities like Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Petersburg.
The city council envisions transforming the Berglund Center into a vibrant entertainment district anchored by a casino.
Due to the NDA, city officials are keeping the identity of their preferred casino developer under wraps. Other companies that have previously attempted to enter Virginia include Churchill Downs, Bally’s Corporation, and Golden Nugget.
A potential frontrunner could be Cordish, a company that entered Virginia last year through Petersburg. Based in Baltimore, Cordish is enthusiastic about expanding its footprint in the Virginia gaming market, and establishing a casino in Roanoke would further solidify its presence in Central and Southwest Virginia.
Among the seven council members, Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and Nicolas Hagen have openly opposed the gaming initiative. However, merely a simple majority of the Roanoke City Council would be necessary to greenlight placing a casino question before voters if the state permits it.
Cobb, a former pastor and current chaplain, believes a casino could elevate Roanoke to a top entertainment destination. With the city-owned Berglund Center surrounded by nearly 15 acres of paved parking, there is ample space for development.
Casino Market Potential in Question
Although discussions regarding casinos in Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County and the City of Winchester are anticipated next year, Virginia’s 2020 gaming legislation initially allowed for five casino licenses. Petersburg was not included at first. Following a decision by the General Assembly to reallocate the initially planned license for Richmond after the city voters turned down a casino referendum twice, no further bills have passed to enable other cities to obtain gaming privileges.
Alongside Roanoke’s state delegation, opposition to a casino proposal for the city could come from Hard Rock International and Caesars Entertainment, which have jointly invested over $1 billion to establish casino resorts in Bristol and Danville.