Roanoke’s Casino Proposal: A Gamble with Political Challenges

Roanoke wants a casino.

In doing so, it’s laying down three bets:

• That the city can find a legislative sponsor when all its representatives oppose a casino.
• That the General Assembly would pass such a bill when the local delegation is opposed.
• That Roanoke voters would then approve a casino in a referendum.

Much like playing a slot machine, Roanoke casino backers need all three of those to come up “yes.”

Roanoke is also making a fourth, more long-term bet, that the city would suffer no reputational damage from a casino, and perhaps even get a lift.

Casinos sit at the intersection of three things: politics, economics, and morality. The first two of those can be quantified, the latter less so. Here’s what we can say so far.

Other casinos had local legislative support; Roanoke does not

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Roanoke’s Casino Ambitions Face Legislative Hurdles

Roanoke, VA — In a bold move to boost its economy, Roanoke is eyeing the establishment of a casino, but the city is facing significant political challenges. With all local legislators opposing the initiative, the path to a casino appears fraught with obstacles.

Mayor Joe Cobb has expressed the city’s desire for a casino, but without a legislative sponsor, the proposal is already in a precarious position. The three legislators representing Roanoke—Democrat Sam Rasoul and Republicans Joe McNamara and David Suetterlein—have all voiced their opposition. State Senator Chris Head, who sits on the Senate committee that would review any casino legislation, has been particularly vocal, stating, “I am completely and totally opposed to a casino coming to Roanoke.”

The Legislative Landscape

Historically, successful casino proposals in Virginia, such as those in Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth, have had local legislative support. Roanoke, however, finds itself in a unique predicament, lacking any backing from its own representatives. This absence of support raises questions about the feasibility of passing a bill in the General Assembly, especially when local legislators are firmly against it.

Roanoke’s strategy may involve aligning with Fairfax County’s casino backers, but this approach is politically risky. The Fairfax proposal has already faced division among local legislators, complicating any potential coalition-building efforts.

Economic and Social Implications

Supporters of the casino argue that it could generate much-needed revenue and create jobs. However, critics warn that the jobs created may not be well-paying, with many positions classified as low-skill and low-wage. The median income in Roanoke stands at approximately $31,974, raising concerns about whether casino jobs would meet the living wage standards for residents.

Moreover, the potential reputational impact of a casino looms large. The city has a history of urban renewal that displaced many residents, and the introduction of a casino could reignite old wounds. Senator Suetterlein has cautioned against “doubling down” on past mistakes, emphasizing the need for Roanoke to focus on its strengths in healthcare and education rather than gambling.

The Road Ahead

As Roanoke navigates this complex landscape, the city must also contend with opposition from legislators in Southwest and Southside Virginia, who fear that a Roanoke casino could siphon revenue from existing establishments in Bristol and Danville. Delegate Israel O’Quinn has stated that the original intent of casino legislation was to ensure geographical spacing, warning against a “proliferation” of casinos.

The chairman of the House committee that would review any casino proposal, Delegate Paul Krizek, has also expressed skepticism, advocating for a more organized approach to casino approvals and emphasizing the need for thorough studies before any new projects are considered.

Conclusion

Roanoke’s ambition for a casino is a high-stakes gamble that requires overcoming significant legislative hurdles and public sentiment. As the city moves forward, it will need to engage in robust discussions about the potential economic benefits and social implications of such a venture. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the road to a Roanoke casino is anything but straightforward.