February 2023 Top Five
The top five most-read daily news stories on VirginiaBusiness.com from Dec. 15, 2022, to Jan. 13 included an update on the planned merger of Eastern Virginia Medical School into Old Dominion University. 1 | Youngkin budget outlines EVMS/ODU merger by 2024 EVMS would merge with ODU by July 2024, according to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed […]
Danville lacks housing options for workforce
Danville is having a “Field of Dreams” dilemma. The famous movie quote, “If you build it, they will come,” rings all too true in the former mill town, which is attracting companies to its industrial parks and old Dan River Mills properties, along with a $650 million casino. It’s good news on paper, but where […]
Petersburg casino bill moves to Senate committee
A Virginia State Senate bill that would allow Petersburg residents to vote on allowing a casino in their city is still in play, following a 7-2 vote by the Senate gaming subcommittee Thursday. The bill will progress to a General Laws and Technology committee vote Wednesday. The bill from Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, adds Petersburg […]
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opens to big crowds
When Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened its doors Monday, Christopher Hoffman was among the thousands of patrons attending opening day at the first permanent casino to open in Virginia. A Hampton resident and manager at Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, Hoffman said he wanted to be “part of history” happening in the state. He gave the casino a good […]
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opening delayed
Rivers Casino Portsmouth‘s grand opening has been delayed until Jan. 23, eight days after its initially scheduled opening planned for Jan. 15, the casino announced Tuesday. The casino wanted to allow for additional time to test and verify new gaming equipment, a spokesperson for the casino said in an email. “Providing a superior guest experience […]
December 2022 Top Five
The top five most-read daily news stories on VirginiaBusiness.com from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14, 2022, included a Virginia Business scoop about a restaurant on the culture-war frontlines that became a national news story. 1 | Richmond restaurant refuses service to conservative Christian group Metzger Bar & Butchery canceled The Family Foundation’s reservation, citing the […]
Caesars ups the ante on Danville casino
Since its approval by Danville voters in November 2020, plans for a casino in the city have shifted. In August 2022, Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced a partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Together, they upped the size and scope of Caesars Virginia, increasing their investment from $400 million to $650 million. They’re also […]
Crowded out
Election years are not the time to make waves in Virginia’s legislature, says Greg Habeeb, a former Roanoke delegate who now advises clients pursuing legislation in the General Assembly. Big changes — the kind the state saw during the Democrats’ two years of full legislative control in 2020 and 2021 — are expected to be […]
First look inside Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Rivers Casino Portsmouth will be the first permanent casino to open in Virginia when it opens its doors to the public on Jan. 15, 2023, but local media outlets got a sneak peek on Tuesday. With 28 days until opening — the casino will open for two “charity days” on Jan. 10 and 12 — […]
$400M Bristol casino to break ground Dec. 7
Virginia’s first casino, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, is getting closer to moving into its permanent home. Officials will break ground at the casino’s permanent home at the former Bristol Mall, at 500 Gate City Highway in Bristol on Dec. 7, the casino announced Thursday. The $400 million permanent casino, set to open […]
2022 Virginia Business Person of the Year: Jim McGlothlin
Jim McGlothlin had never really thought much about paintings. He was more of a music guy, a fan of Elvis, whom he saw in concert six months before the King’s 1977 death. But the art of the deal — in this case, winning a valuable artwork at an auction — was a familiar feeling. “That’s […]
Rivers Casino Portsmouth plans Jan. 15 opening
Rivers Casino Portsmouth will open to the public Jan. 15 at 3 p.m., according to an announcement Monday. The $340 million venue, part of a planned entertainment district along Victory Boulevard off Interstate 264, will feature 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games and 24 poker tables as well as 10 bars and restaurants and an event […]