A $300 Million Transformation: Roanoke City Leaders Set the Bar for High-Stakes Casino Project
Posted on: May 9, 2026, 06:05h.
Last updated on: May 11, 2026, 05:28h.
- City officials are officially setting the price for entry, demanding any casino developer commit at least $300 million to transform the local skyline
- The proposal hinges on a “big bold idea” to use gambling taxes to fund the modernization of the 50-year-old, city-owned Berglund Center
- By using its ownership of the Berglund complex as leverage, Roanoke is attempting to force a seat at the table in Virginia’s rapidly expanding gaming market
Despite a stalled 2026 bid for a casino concession, Roanoke officials are banking on a fresh legislative strategy to secure the multi-million-dollar gaming license next year.
During the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session, reports surfaced that the Roanoke City Council was meeting with a casino developer that had expressed interest in building a resort in the Star City.
The local government didn’t find a state lawmaker willing to champion the legislative effort in Richmond, but that hasn’t resulted in the council folding on the idea.
Roanoke’s ‘Big Bold Idea’ hinges on a $300 million private investment to transform the aging Berglund Center into a state-of-the-art entertainment district. City councilors say its Berglund Center is in desperate need of more than $30 million in repairs and updates, money that’s not currently available.
A casino, some on the council believe, could help upgrade and modernize the arena that officials claim is being bypassed by major events and tours because of its condition. Beyond a casino, the plan promises up to 1,000 new jobs and a suite of hotels and restaurants—all funded primarily by out-of-town visitors rather than local taxpayers.
Casino Concept
The Roanoke City Council has remained rather quiet in sharing details on what a casino at the Berglund Center might look like. They’ve also stayed mum on identifying the casino company that the local government is dealing with. City spokespeople have cited a non-disclosure agreement that was signed.
We have a fantastic arena. We have a fantastic performing arts center. But let’s face it, they’re old. We still manage to bring in a lot of great acts, the staff here is amazing, but a state-of-the-art facility will allow us to bring in even better entertainment,” Roanoke Economic Development Director Marc Nelson said in an interview with WDBJ.
City officials have disclosed that a casino developer would need to commit to an investment of at least $300 million to win over the council’s support. A part of any casino plan would also need to include funding for the Berglund Center.
Councilor Phazhon Nash said that, while a casino would deliver the city the most economic benefits, a non-gaming investment would still be welcomed at the arena.
We are not 100% has to be a casino. But, for now, the only person who has come to the table to have a conversation with us is a casino operator,” Nash said.
In February, the Roanoke City Council acknowledged that it received $75,000 from the casino company. The government says it can spend the money however it wishes, with Mayor Joe Cobb saying it can be “used at our discretion.”
The funds are expected to fund a market feasibility study for a casino, as well as a marketing campaign to rally public support.
2027 Legislation
The Roanoke City Council cannot singlehandedly authorize a casino. The state must first pass a law designating Roanoke for a casino license.
From there, a local ballot referendum would need to be held, with a majority of the electorate expressing support for slot machines, table games, and sports betting. After that, the Virginia Lottery Board would be able to issue a gaming license for the city.
The General Assembly remains in a special session to address the state budget. A Roanoke casino bill likely wouldn’t be introduced until January, when the legislature convenes for its 2027 session.
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