2024 Election Predictions: State-By-State Casino Betting Ballot Questions

The 2024 election is approaching, and while much attention focuses on the presidential candidacy of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, several critical state gaming referendums could significantly shape the commercial gaming landscape, especially concerning casino betting.

Voters in Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia will determine the fate of new casinos and sports betting initiatives on their ballots. Early voting has already commenced, and as November 5 draws near, let’s delve into the details.

Virginia Voters Consider Casino Expansion

In Virginia, Petersburg residents will weigh in on a proposed $600 million casino resort by the Cordish Companies and local firm Bruce Smith Enterprise. This resort aims to be located conveniently near Interstate 95 and Wagner Rd. Plans include:

• A 200-room hotel
• Eight dining establishments
• 35,000 square feet of conference facilities
• A concert venue seating 3,000 guests
• A casino featuring around 1,600 slot machines, 50 live table games, and a 15-table poker room
• A sportsbook for sports enthusiasts

This proposal follows the refusal of Richmond voters to approve previous gaming developments. If approved, the casino could yield thousands of jobs with average benefits of about $70,000, contribute $2.8 billion to the economy over the first decade, and generate $240 million in tax revenue for the city during that period.

Casino.org’s prediction: The Petersburg casino referendum is likely to PASS.

Will the Pope County Casino Remain Operational?

In Arkansas, voters will decide whether to rescind a commercial casino license for Pope County. The Cherokee Nation is poised to develop a $300 million casino named Legends Resort & Casino in Russellville. However, a rival tribe from Oklahoma is pushing back, aiming to protect its interests in local casinos.

Issue 2, framed as empowering local voters, would restrict casino licenses to regions where local referendums show support. Given the history of individual counties voting against gambling, there seems to be a strong possibility of repealing the poker license in Pope County.

Casino.org’s prediction: Issue 2 is expected to PASS.

Missouri’s Gaming Expansion

Missouri is uniquely considering sports betting in this election. Recent debates have pitted gambling advocates against established interests, with prominent betting platforms campaigning for Amendment 2. Meanwhile, established casinos have voiced opposition, fearing increased competition without fairness reforms in revenue-sharing.

Yet, public sentiment appears to favor legal sports betting, making this amendment a likely success.

Additionally, Missourians will have the opportunity to vote on expanding gambling at the Osage River to accommodate a new Bally’s casino development near Lake of the Ozarks, featuring a proposed 20-story hotel and casino.

Casino.org’s prediction: Both Amendment 2 and Amendment 5 are expected to PASS.

Conclusion

With significant gaming ballot questions ahead in Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia, the outcomes will have far-reaching implications for the commercial gaming sector and the economy. These referendums represent more than just gambling; they reflect community interests and the evolving landscape of legal gaming.