A businessman who wants to build a casino in Southwest Virginia said he's confident about getting approval from the General Assembly.
The Bristol Herald Courier reports that Jim McGlothlin told the Bristol Rotary Club recently that no lawmakers have told him they would vote against the proposal.
McGlothlin and partner Clyde Stacy want to redevelop a mall in Bristol into a $250 million resort and casino. Casinos are currently illegal under state law.
McGlothlin made his fortune in the coal business. The 78-year-old said if lawmakers don't approve the casino this year, he doesn't have the appetite to try again later.
Virginia lawmakers have shown a greater willingness to discuss expanding gambling in recent years.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
