\nMore traffic. Higher crime. Lower quality of life for us. Tell them to build it over there,”<\/strong> read the flyer, which led many to question where “over there” is.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nRichmond, through its Resort Casino Evaluation Panel, ultimately went with Urban One, a Black-owned media conglomerate with no experience operating a casino or a resort. Urban One partnered with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, an experienced casino operator, to help guide the project. The $565 million undertaking was set to be built next to the Philip Morris tobacco plant and was to be the first Black-owned casino in the history of the United States.<\/p>\n
Richmond residents cast 78,381 votes on the governor’s race. The city gubernatorial vote went vastly in favor of Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe, who lent his support to ONE Casino. The former governor received more than 77 percent of the vote in Richmond but lost statewide to Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin.<\/p>\n
As for the casino question, 77,823 Richmonders weighed in. A little more than 51 percent voted “no” to deny Urban One’s casino ambitions.<\/p>\n
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Analyzing the voting data, the majority of the “no” vote came north of the James River where the majority of Richmond’s wealthier neighborhoods are located. Though they still voted heavily Democrat — and backed McAuliffe who endorsed the casino — that demographic overwhelmingly went against the gambling initiative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Despite support from celebrities, including Missy Elliott<\/a> and Jamie Foxx, the casino question was defeated.<\/p>\n“Concerns were raised, including increased crime, traffic, and doubts that the project would lead to other economic development in the area, which is among Richmond’s more impoverished districts,” explained Kate Andrews, deputy editor of Virginia Business<\/i>.<\/p>\n
On social media, many gave their own opinions as to why ONE Casino failed.<\/p>\n