Published on: December 18, 2025, at 12:03 PM.
Updated on: December 18, 2025, at 12:06 PM.
- Roanoke has engaged a lobbying firm from Virginia.
- The consultancy aims to promote Roanoke for a proposed casino.
- Local representatives in Roanoke predominantly oppose the casino initiative.
A Virginia lobbying firm is being retained at $6,000 monthly to lead an initiative aimed at establishing a casino resort in Roanoke.
As covered by Casino.org, the Roanoke City Council is considering joining the ranks of cities like Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Petersburg in hosting a casino. Approval from the Virginia General Assembly is essential for Roanoke to offer slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
With no local lawmakers showing support for Roanoke’s gaming efforts, the city has hired the Richmond-based firm Two Capitols Consulting to find supportive legislators. This small lobbying group boasts experience in various industries, including gaming.
The lobbying agreement was revealed through a public records request. The contract, signed on September 22, came to light about three weeks before the Roanoke City Council discussed the potential casino.
Proposal for Roanoke Casino
City officials believe that securing a casino concession from the state and locating the gaming facility at the Berglund Center would invigorate Roanoke. They assert that local tax revenues from the casino could significantly contribute to the estimated $25 million needed for arena renovations and upkeep over the next decade.
The deal with Two Capitols outlines that the firm’s lobbyists will collaborate with incoming Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) to push for the expansion of gaming.
Assist with all legislative, budgeting, and regulatory elements of a unique economic development initiative” in Roanoke, the terms highlight. Two Capitols will also “offer strategic guidance on all legislative and administrative issues pertinent to Roanoke regarding this economic project.”
Interestingly, the Two Capitols agreement avoids explicitly mentioning “casino.”
A crucial aspect of this consulting agreement is Two Capitols’ pledge to assist Roanoke in “cultivating and enhancing relationships with key elected officials and their staff in Virginia.” This process, according to the lobbying firm, includes “informing” lawmakers about the unique economic development initiative.
Referendum Necessity
Despite the push, support for a casino remains minimal, with community members voicing their dissent during the final city council meeting of the year. Furthermore, state legislators from Roanoke have voiced their opposition to the council’s consideration of a casino.
According to Virginia’s 2020 gaming legislation, voters in any designated casino city must ultimately decide whether to approve a gaming development. A simple majority is required for the Virginia Lottery Board, which oversees casinos, to issue a gaming license.
“[Virginia] shall not grant any initial license to operate a gaming operation in an eligible host city until a referendum on whether casino gaming will be authorized in such city is approved by the city’s voters,” the statute stipulates.