Bally's selected as a finalist in bid to develop and operate a casino resort in Richmond

Bally's proposal represents the largest casino resort project and the largest upfront payment to the City at $100 million. The Evaluation Panel made its determination after a thorough review of six proposals submitted in late February 2021. 

George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bally's Corporation, said: "We are excited and honored to have been selected as a finalist and have the continued opportunity to partner with the City of Richmond, its residents and businesses on this campaign. The Bally's Richmond is truly a Richmond-first project, dedicated to supporting local businesses and minority organizations by driving job creation and developing sustained economic opportunities. We are confident that our proposal will provide incomparable economic benefits to the greater Richmond community, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue to prove to the City and its various stakeholders that Bally's is for RVA."

The Bally's Richmond will be strategically situated on a 61-acre parcel located at the intersection of the Powhite and Chippenham Parkways. Bally's is currently working with its civil and traffic engineers, who have been conducting various surveys and assessments, to ensure multiple access routes into and out of the property that are not only convenient for patrons, but also efficiently direct traffic away from local major roadways. Bally's is also committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the site, including the natural, wooded surrounding and wetlands, which it intends to seamlessly integrate into its overall design.

Papanier continued, "We are committed to the local RVA community that will serve as the host for our project, and look forward to working with community leaders and residents to address any concerns they may have."

According to the company, Bally's proposal is also supported by multiple leaders of the greater Richmond community, including the Lanier Family (Willie Sr. and Willie Jr.), and Warren Thompson, Founder, President and Chairman of the Board of Thompson Hospitality Corporation. Additionally, the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce has committed its exclusive support to the Bally's Richmond project, while the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council and the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce have committed their support.

Bally's will have the opportunity to discuss its proposal during a virtual meeting hosted by the Evaluation Panel on April 1, 2021 at 6:00pm ET. The Evaluation Panel is expected to issue its final recommendation in mid/late May 2021. The process will culminate with a voter referendum scheduled to occur on November 2, 2021.