Virginia is now one step closer to becoming home to the nation's only Black-owned casino. On Tuesday morning, Urban One rolled out a $517 million proposal to open their own casino in the greater Richmond area. Urban One hopes that opening a casino will help transform their business from media entities to entertainment, dining and travel.
“Our proposal is unparalleled and can not be matched,” Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins said.
“We would be creating the only black-owned casino in the United States of America. Perhaps more importantly, our project will be very diverse and inclusive.”
The $517 million venue will feature 100 gaming tables, 150 hotel rooms, 12 restaurants and 20,000 feet in event space. There are also plans to include a 3,000 seat theater.
“ONE will create more than 1,400 jobs and generate more than $47 million in tax revenue,” Liggins added.
“This money will be available for critically important Richmond projects and initiatives including schools and affordable housing and we will achieve these numbers with a workforce that looks like Richmond.”
Creating more than 1,400 jobs, Richmond residents are open to the new casino. Former University of Richmond basketball star Johnny Newman shared his support after the proposal was shared.
“I love Richmond and this is a good opportunity for the city,” Newman said.
“For years I’ve been trying to get entertainment opportunities in the basketball field.”
The city of Richmond will continue to accept proposals for similar venues until the last week of February.
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