The only Black-owned casino in the United States is set to be opened in Richmond, Virginia. This was after the city said it was moving forward with plans to bring a resort-style casino to the River City. Four companies put in bids to spearhead the multi-million dollar project, including Urban One, a Black-owned company that owns a TV station and dozens of radio stations.
Urban One is also a licensed casino operator in the state of Maryland. The company has been selected by Richmond to build the casino, which is currently named One Casino + Resort. Urban One teamed up with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment to propose a $517 million casino resort in South Richmond.
According to NewsOne, Richmond Mayor, Levar Stoney, has agreed with the city’s Resort Casino Evaluation Panel recommendation for ONE Casino + Resort to advance in the gaming process.
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“ONE Casino + Resort presents a tremendous opportunity to develop a resort casino project in Richmond,” said Mayor Stoney. “The project will create over 1,000 good-paying jobs, generate a significant amount of new revenue for the city, and establish an additional economic engine in South Richmond. I applaud the work of the Evaluation Panel in their vetting of the proposals and engaging the entire city throughout this project.”
Alfred Liggins, CEO of Urban One, said the firm is excited to have been selected. “ONE is thrilled the Richmond casino selection committee has chosen the best project with the best location and best team to develop a world-class entertainment destination in Richmond’s Southside,” said Liggins. “Urban One and our diverse group of local investors are fully committed to creating good-paying jobs with profit-sharing for employees, pathways to successful careers, and generating significant new tax revenues that can improve Richmond’s schools and fund community programs and infrastructure.”
Construction of the casino is expected to begin on a 30,000-square-foot complex which will include a 90,000 square feet casino, 150 luxurious hotel rooms, 12 restaurants and bars, lounges, and a 3,000-seat entertainment venue. In addition, patrons will have access to an open area outdoor recreational site on the complex grounds that will include bike trails, playgrounds, and food trucks.
