Virginia legislators have concluded the introduction of new bills for this legislative session without advancing a measure to support a casino in Roanoke.​ But Delegate Sam Rasoul has proposed an amended budget that would allocate $600,000 for an analysis of downtown infrastructure, including the Berglund Centre—the site eyed for a potential casino complex.​
 

Local leaders explore alternatives​

Roanoke City Council members have launched a focus group with community leaders to examine future options for the civic centre. The Berglund Centre, established more than 50 years ago, houses a coliseum, a performing arts theatre, an exhibition hall, and a newly built special events centre. It also hosts trade shows, conventions, banquets, concerts, and serves as home to the Roanoke Railyard Dawgs hockey team.​

The proposed casino would replace the special events centre and add restaurants, a hotel, parking facilities, and a community centre. Mayor Joe Cobb has emphasised that the broader vision is an entertainment district, not just a casino. He noted that it is a bold step for Roanoke’s future. The city has had a tradition of public-private partnerships and long-term investment, emphasising cultural vitality and livability beyond gambling.

As quoted on local media outlets, Cobb said that past city initiatives required calculated risks and pilot projects to track record of experimenting with new ideas to sustain growth. But studies for casinos in Danville and Petersburg already place the Roanoke Valley within their market areas, raising newer questions about whether another casino would oversaturate the region.
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Debate over casino impact​

News of a casino proposal last October sparked ongoing debate. Opponents—including at least four local legislators—have raised concerns about gambling addiction and crime. But supporters argue that the project could generate significant tax revenue and boost tourism.​

Under Virginia law, any casino proposal must first be approved by the General Assembly and then pass a local referendum. The state currently has four casinos: Caesars Virginia in Danville, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, and Live! Casino in Petersburg.​
 

Rasoul’s budget amendment​

Rasoul has clarified that his amendment is not intended to advance a casino but to secure investment in Roanoke’s ageing infrastructure. He said engineers would study facilities such as the Berglund Centre, Centre in the Square, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Jefferson Centre, and the surrounding parking areas.​

Additionally, Council Member Phazhon Nash noted that Centre in the Square is struggling financially, requiring constant maintenance while failing to generate enough revenue to cover operating costs and debt.​
 

Next steps​

The House of Delegates is expected to decide on Rasoul’s amendment within two weeks. If approved, negotiations with the state Senate would follow before a final budget is sent to Gov. Abigail Spanberger.​

Delegate Joe McNamara, R-Roanoke County, opposes a casino but supports Rasoul’s amendment, saying it allows for redevelopment planning without bypassing a referendum. Cobb once echoed that the focus should remain on creating a vibrant entertainment district that enhances livability and attracts visitors.​

 

 

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