UPDATE: Bill allowing casino referendums in Virginia gets Senate committee approval

Casino legislation advances into the Virginia Senate following a vote by the General Laws and Technology Committee.

Tuesday’s decision approved a move that would allow the five localities identified by the state for potential casino placement due to economic conditions including Bristol to hold referendums to allow voters to approve or reject the proposal. Still no word on how the casinos would be selected in each city.

Two projects are vying for the coveted spot in Bristol—the McGlothlin/Stacy project at the former Bristol Mall that has an equity partner in Hard Rock International and a Washington County, Virginia-based casino and resort in the Pinnacle retail area.