Live! Casino Virginia tells council it exceeded expectations in first 100 days; city share of tax receipts clarified

Penny Parayo, senior vice president and general manager for Live! Casino Virginia, briefed Petersburg City Council on May 5 about the property’s first 100 days of operation, reporting robust customer traffic, early revenue figures, and workforce growth.

Parayo said the temporary site welcomed over 325,000 guests, prepared more than 36,000 meals, served roughly 268,000 drinks, and hired more than 600 team members since opening. She also said the venue recorded about $34 million in gaming revenue in the first quarter and was approximately 16% over its initial budget projections for that period.

During council discussion, city staff cautioned that the tax figures presented by the casino reflect total tax paid and not the city’s immediate net receipts. Mr. Alden clarified the city should expect an initial quarterly distribution in the neighborhood of $2.1 million rather than the full $6.5 million figure the presenter cited as total tax paid. Parayo said construction on the permanent facility is progressing (a crane is now onsite) and reiterated plans for a 200-room hotel and expanded entertainment and dining options with a target opening for the permanent facility in late 2027.

Council members asked about hiring, outreach to local colleges and culinary programs, parking and shuttling plans, and safety measures. Parayo said Live! is partnering with several higher-education institutions for recruitment, has designated about 500 off-site employee parking spaces near the parole offices, and is coordinating security with Petersburg Police and using technology and off-duty officers for on-site safety.

No formal action was required from council; the update served as an operational briefing and a context-setting discussion about anticipated local tax receipts and workforce development opportunities.