Live! Partners With VA College to Teach Dealer Classes Ahead of Casino Opening

The Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg is coming closer to opening its doors to the public.

In preparation for the casino’s opening, Live! teamed up with Richard Bland College to create classes that will help train future employees at the casino. Anyone who enrolls in classes will be schooled on how to operate table games, deal cards, and handle other casino-related tasks.

Classes had previously been expected to begin on Aug. 4 but are now scheduled to go into session on Sept. 8.

Hit the books

Richard Bland’s website has a section dedicated to its dealer institute, credentials that can be earned, and career outlooks for graduates. Anyone who is interested in taking the course can register online.

“Due to scheduling and administrative issues, the dates of the Institute will need to change,” Penny Pavaro, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia said in a statement. “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.”

The introductory course is free for the first 100 participants. The only requirements are that the person be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, pass a drug test, purchase a blackjack kit for $129, and be able to pass a background check to procure a gaming license.

The 12-week course will prepare students for employment at the Live! casino, which anticipates hiring 500 permanent employees ahead of the opening of its temporary facility this year and its permanent location in 2027. However, completion of the class does not guarantee employment by Live! or the Petersburg casino.

Richard Bland’s website says that entry-level positions for dealers will result in $50,000-60,000 in annual earnings, including salary and tips. Class graduates can also seek employment at Virginia’s other casinos in Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth.

Casino construction continues

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia’s temporary establishment will feature 900 slot machines, 33 table games, a bar, and a quick-service restaurant. Job listings – including those for table game dealers – have already been posted.

“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, Petersburg Mayor Sam Param said to ABC 8News. “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.”

The permanent facility will cost Live! $1.4 billion. Plans include a 200-room hotel and resort, a casino floor with 1,600 slot machines and 60 table games, a sportsbook, eight restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, convention space, and a 4,000-seat theatre.

Cordish Companies, which owns the Live! brand, said it will need around 200 full-time table game dealers once its full-fledged location is operational.

The Petersburg casino is one of two in Virginia that is currently under construction. The other, in Norfolk, is expected to open its temporary location later this year and its final location in 2027.