New Era of Casino Gaming: Live! Casino Virginia’s Temporary Facility and Dealer School Set to Launch
Experience Next-Level Casino Gaming as Live! Casino Virginia’s Temporary Facility and Dealer School Prepare to Launch
Live! Casino Virginia is gearing up to transform the local landscape with the launch of a temporary facility by the end of this year, marking an electrifying leap forward for the future of casino gaming in Petersburg. This development, helmed by the Cordish Companies, serves as the initial phase of a massive $1.4 billion project designed to elevate the regional gaming industry and create a permanent workforce of around 500 employees.
Overview of the Project
- Temporary Casino Launch: A temporary casino will be operational before year-end.
- Dealer School Introduction: Richard Bland College will kick off its Dealer Institute next month to train new dealers.
- Development Scale: The full project spans two phases, with the initial phase involving a $600 million hotel and casino complex.
Located in Petersburg, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia signifies the first casino development in the city, creating a buzz among local job seekers and gaming enthusiasts alike. As the demand for trained table game dealers surges, this initiative is a timely response to the needs of the community.

Dealer Institute Details
In collaboration with Richard Bland College, the Dealer Institute will commence classes on September 8. This innovative program is designed to produce qualified dealers for a booming job market.
Enrollees in the introductory course, which is free for the first 100 participants, are required to purchase a blackjack kit for $129. To qualify, participants need to meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a drug test
- Obtain a gaming license via a background check
While graduation from the 12-week program does not guarantee employment, successful students can expect to start in entry-level positions earning between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, including tips. This makes the new dealer school an attractive opportunity for many.
Temporary Casino Construction Updates
The first phase of the $1.4 billion development includes plans for a 200-room hotel and a gaming floor equipped with:
- 1,600 slot machines
- 60 table games
- A sportsbook
- Eight restaurants
- A pool complex
- Fitness centre
- Convention space
- A 4,000-seat theatre
The permanent casino is projected to open in 2027, but a temporary operation will feature approximately 900 slots and 33 tables within a 75,000-square-foot facility.
Officials at Cordish Companies anticipate staffing needs of around 200 full-time dealers when the property officially opens its doors.
Growing Job Opportunities in Virginia
This dealer institute is not only preparing graduates for jobs at Live! Virginia, but also for employment at other casinos across the state, including:
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
- Caesars Virginia in Danville
Additionally, efforts are underway in Richmond to permit a casino in Northern Virginia, which aims to keep gaming revenue within the state rather than flowing to Maryland.
Virginia’s Casino Industry Expansion
The casino landscape in Virginia is poised for significant growth. Recently, the state reported record highs of $85.4 million in slot and table games revenue in May, reflecting the increasing popularity of legalized gaming in the state.
With a rapidly evolving market and two more casinos set to open, Virginia’s gaming industry is on an upward trajectory, promising more opportunities for local residents.
Summary
Live! Casino Virginia is not just an entertainment venue; it’s a burgeoning hub for job creation and workforce training. With its temporary casino set to launch soon and a dedicated dealer school starting in September, it offers exciting prospects for those looking to enter the gaming industry. As Virginia continues to expand its casino offerings, the local economy is likely to benefit significantly from this growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the temporary casino open?
The temporary casino is set to open by the end of this year.
What are the job opportunities provided?
The temporary facility aims to create around 500 jobs in the local region.
What features will the permanent casino have?
The permanent casino will include a hotel, restaurants, and a large gaming floor.
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