Roanoke Residents Push Back on City Government’s Casino Consideration
Posted on: December 16, 2025, 04:13h.
Last updated on: December 16, 2025, 04:13h.
- Residents in Roanoke are speaking out against a possible casino
- A majority of the city council wants to move forward with casino talks
The Roanoke City Council thinks a casino in town would generate new jobs and tax revenue that could assist in funding the Berglund Center’s projected $25 million in maintenance and upgrades over the next 10 years. Many residents are speaking out against that thinking.
The Roanoke City Council held its final meeting of the year on Monday night. During the gathering, several residents spoke before the council, delivering remarks on why a casino shouldn’t be allowed.
Earlier this month, the Roanoke City Council considered including its wishes for the state legislature to allow the Star City to mull a gaming development in its legislative agenda sent to its state delegation. But, with no state lawmaking repping Roanoke willing to lead that charge, the city council and Mayor Joe Cobb said it’s taking a “different path.”
Cobb says the majority of the council “supports moving forward” with the casino deliberations.
Widespread Public Opposition
At least two of the Roanoke city councilors are against the casino push. Vice Mayor Terry McGuire has split from Cobb. Councilor Nicolas Hagen has also made public statements opposing a casino.
Cobb, a former pastor and current chaplain, says a casino could bring 900 jobs to the city, with starting salaries at more than $50K.
There’s potential for lodging, a hotel, employment opportunities, jobs that would be well above the median average wage here in Roanoke,” Cobb said. “If somebody doesn’t want a casino, what other options do citizens think would be viable?”
On Monday, the public largely spoke in opposition. Residents said the city should consider other economic drivers instead of one that preys on addiction.
Casino gambling in communities across the nation has been associated with increased addiction, family instability, financial hardship, crime, and added strain on local government services. Evidence from other municipalities shows that promised casino revenues often fall short as consumer spending is diverted from local businesses and profits leave the community,” said Roanoke resident Bryan Smith.
Opponents opined that casinos primarily benefit the casino owners, and not the communities in which they operate.
State Legislation
Roanoke cannot authorize a casino without the Virginia General Assembly first designating the city for slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
Currently, casinos in the commonwealth are only allowed in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Bristol, Danville, and Petersburg. Churchill Downs operates slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines in New Kent, Vinton, Richmond, Hampton, Collinsville, Emporia, Henrico, and Dumfries.
Cobb says the city is already partnered with a casino developer. Casino.org speculates that the company is The Cordish Companies, the Baltimore-based gaming and hospitality giant that is building the casino in Petersburg. Cordish operates casinos in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana under the Live! brand.
Roanoke isn’t the only Virginia city considering a casino play. Local officials in Winchester are also exploring the idea of campaigning for slot and table game privileges. There’s also consideration in the State Capitol to place a casino in Northern Virginia, with the thinking that a gaming venue in Fairfax County would generate substantial tax revenue for the state, possibly more than the five other casinos combined.
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