Virginia: Winchester moves forward on early casino planning

A proposed casino development in the Shenandoah Valley remains years away, but Winchester officials are already laying the groundwork for a possible project.

The Winchester City Council voted 7-2 to approve a resolution supporting the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) in pursuing a feasibility review, the Virginia Business reported. The proposed study would examine the viability of a casino, convention, and entertainment complex in the area, in coordination with state legislators and a future Virginia Gaming Commission.

EDA Executive Director Jeff Buettner said the earliest such a referendum could take place is likely in 2028. “I think it’s important, from our perspective, that before we go to a referendum, we’ve identified the exact site, the amenities, the operator, so that when we’re asking people to vote, they know exactly what they’re voting on," he said.

He also pointed to the need for new revenue sources, noting that prior analyses showed a standalone convention center would require significant subsidies. Incorporating a casino component, Buettner argued, could make the project financially sustainable.

The development could generate approximately $27.5 million in annual tax revenue for the city and create around 2,400 local jobs, according to estimates by an EDA-commissioned study.

The EDA is currently evaluating several potential sites ranging from 19 to 24 acres, said Buettner. Priority is being given to locations outside the downtown area and near Interstate 81. Specific sites have not been disclosed due to ongoing negotiations.

Del. Bill Wiley, R-Winchester, said he would not support a casino proposal in Richmond without backing from both city leaders and the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. He described the issue as a “district matter” affecting multiple jurisdictions.

Wiley noted that some constituents, particularly in Frederick County, have raised concerns about the moral and public safety implications of a casino. He also called for more detailed information on the project’s long-term impacts and suggested that any legislation should include performance standards to ensure projected revenues are realized. “This is just a very complex matter, and there are just so many variables that have to be vetted,” he said.

City council members underscored that the final decision will rest with voters. “At the end of the day, this isn’t going to be decided by nine people and a city manager,” said Councilor Chip Newcome. “It’s going to be decided by our community.”