Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia Celebrates Topping Out Milestone

The construction site in Petersburg, Virginia, is buzzing as the next chapter of US casino expansion unfolds. On Thursday, executives from The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise gathered for the traditional topping-out ceremony for the future Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. It is a moment of pride for a region that has long been considered a mere pass-through point and is now rising as a true tourist destination. The final commemorative steel beam was hoisted into place, marking the completion of the structural phase. The schedule is set: the large-scale project is expected to fully open its doors by late 2027.

The project is a collaboration between gaming giant Cordish and NFL legend Bruce Smith. While a temporary casino has been operating next door since January, a resort of enormous proportions is growing here. Located at the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95, the site is developing into a complex that goes far beyond simple gambling. David Cordish, CEO of The Cordish Companies, emphasized the importance of this step for the nationwide expansion of the Live! brand and promised a new standard for hospitality and entertainment in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The goal is clear: to attract not just gamblers, but to create a regional hub for economy and tourism.

Numbers and facts

The dimensions of the undertaking are impressive and are making competitors in the region take notice. The resort will offer more than 445,000 square feet of space for gaming, hospitality, and dining. For players, there will be over 1,600 Vegas-style slot machines and more than 70 live table games. Of particular note is the poker area with 35 tables and an integrated sportsbook for sports betting. The attached hotel will include 200 rooms and be complemented by a resort pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Business events are also catered for: a roughly 70,000-square-foot multi-purpose event center will host conferences and social gatherings.

Economically, the project is a goldmine for the city of Petersburg. In its first ten years, an economic stimulus of $2.8 billion is expected for the region. The city of Petersburg alone expects tax revenues of $240 million. The labor market is also benefiting massively. A total of 7,700 jobs will be created, including 6,100 during the construction phase and 1,600 permanent positions after opening. The temporary operation has already provided work for over 600 people, including 100 dealers for table games.

"The topping out of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is a defining moment for this project and a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the Live! brand nationwide." - David Cordish, CEO and Chairman of The Cordish Companies

Background

A key aspect of the project is social responsibility and the involvement of local communities. Through the "Change Maker" program, guests donate their remaining change from payout kiosks to charitable causes. Since its launch in January 2026, nearly $45,000 has already been distributed to organizations in the Greater Richmond Area. At the topping-out ceremony, a check for $15,929.82 was presented to the organization Lending Helping Hands. Bruce Smith, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member and local entrepreneur driving the project, sees it as an investment in the future of the residents.

To recruit the necessary skilled workers, the casino is cooperating with the Richard Bland College Dealer Institute. A free seven-week program is offered there, training students in the techniques of blackjack and other table games. The focus is not only on the rules of the game but also on customer service, game integrity, and the strict regulatory requirements of the industry. This underscores the professional standards Cordish demands of its employees to ensure a safe and high-class environment.

Why it matters for German players

For German travelers who enjoy playing in the USA, the new resort is an exciting alternative to Las Vegas or Atlantic City. However, German players active online must adhere to the strict rules of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). While massive poker rooms with 35 tables and unlimited stakes beckon in Virginia, strict limits apply in Germany. In this country, deposits are limited to 1,000 euros per month, and a maximum of 1 euro per spin can be wagered on online slots. Furthermore, the LUGAS system ensures centralized monitoring of limits to guarantee player protection. Those looking for the flair of a 445,000-square-foot resort must travel, as the German online market remains heavily regulated and focused on player protection. The GGL whitelist is the only benchmark for legal and safe play here.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license are closely watching such international developments, as they set the standard for "entertainment destinations." While land-based casinos in Virginia focus on expansion and event centers, German online providers must score points through transparency and security. The focus on training, such as at Richard Bland College, could serve as a model for the professionalization of staff in the areas of player protection and customer support in Germany. Legal providers in Germany must distinguish themselves from illegal MGA or Curacao offers by quality, implementing similar standards of game integrity as are now being physically cemented in Petersburg.