PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — A representative for Richard Bland College tells 8News the school’s Dealer Institute, in partnership with Live! Casino and Hotel, Virginia, is now scheduled to open on Sept. 8 rather than Monday, Aug. 4.
The school provided this statement from Penny Paravo, General Manager from Live! Casino & Hotel, Virginia:
“Due to scheduling and administrative issues, the dates of the Institute will need to change. At this time, we are planning for the 12-week course to begin on September 8, 2025. We apologize for the late notice and any inconvenience. The date change will ensure that the dealer classes provide you with the comprehensive training you need to pursue a career in casino gaming.” — Penny Paravo
The institute was announced in May in partnership with the upcoming casino, slated to open in Petersburg in 2027.
Construction on a temporary gaming facility is expected to finish by the end of this year. Live! said the temporary casino will feature 900 slot machines, 33 table games, a casino bar and a quick-service restaurant. It is also expected to create 500 new jobs.
Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham provided this statement to 8News:
“The temporary casino is on track to finish construction by mid-4th quarter, and the development for the permanent casino and hotel is on schedule.
I can tell you that we here in Petersburg are excited for the revenue and thousands of jobs that the casino will bring, not just to our city but to the region and state. I am hopeful that we will be able to announce an opening date for the temporary casino soon.” — Sam Parham
Dozens of job listings for the Petersburg casino are already up on the Live! website, including those for table game dealers.
The RBC dealer institute aims to train dealers that will then be ready to work at casinos like the Live! location.
The training is a 12-week course at the college’s Workforce & Career Readiness Center. Classes are free, but applicants need a blackjack kit which costs $139.
