Strategic location sells Washington County casino resort proposed by Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

According to a statement made this week by EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has purportedly agreed to agreements that would allow the group to build and run a planned luxury casino resort in Washington County, Virginia.

The 350-acre parcel will be transformed by the federally recognized tribe in collaboration with Steve Johnson of Johnson Commercial Development. The property is close to the Johnson-built The Pinnacle shopping center in Bristol, Tennessee, which lies over the Oklahoma border.

Best location:

As reported by News 5 WCYB, Sneed (seen below) stated...

"I've been to the facility along I-81, and I'm pleased by its strategic, gateway location that services a five-state region.

"It is our goal to positively and significantly influence Washington County and the Southwest Virginia region with additional tax money and employment."

Along with the proposed casino, the facility would purportedly contain a five-star hotel with an indoor water park, a concert hall with a capacity of 15,000 people, and recreational amenities.

The Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino and the Harrah's Cherokee Resort Hotel and Casino, both of which are situated in the tribe's native North Carolina, are already under the control of the EBIC.

Mixed feelings:

Johnson stated...

"Our deal with Chief Sneed of the EBCI is a fantastic chance to introduce a seasoned casino owner-operator to Washington County and the Southwest Virginia region.

We are eager to collaborate with the Cherokee Nation, Richmond's elected authorities, and local leaders to realize this enormous potential.

Randy Eads, the city manager of Bristol, Virginia, had the following to say about the idea:

"I do not want Southwest Virginia as a whole to suffer as a result of today's announcement. For genuine economic progress to take place in our region, Southwest Virginia must cooperate rather than compete, according to the news source.

According to press sources, the Seminole Tribe is already involved in a second plan that is located less than a mile from the proposed location under the Hard Rock International name.

the waiting game

The Virginia Legislature has not yet approved gambling, thus despite the fact that both the Eastern Band and Hard Rock have substantial gaming expertise, both must wait for additional action.

On March 22, 2019, Governor Ralph Northam ratified Senate Bill 1126. (D). The legislation permits the development of commercial casinos in the economically struggling communities of Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth in the southeasterly U.S. state. The bill also makes it possible for casinos in Richmond and Norfolk to be owned and run by the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.

The Act must be reenacted by the General Assembly during the upcoming 2020 session, and only certain localities that match the bill's requirements will be allowed to introduce casino gambling. A gaming license cannot be awarded before to July 1, 2020, and rules must be put up by the Lottery Board by June 30, 2020.

Then, in order for the projects to be legally approved, a local voter referendum would need to be held in each of the five communities.