Petersburg casino draws 500,000 guests in six months

State of play: Baltimore-based gaming group The Cordish Companies opened Live! Casino Virginia in late January in a massive tent that's a fraction of the size of the permanent version rising next door — and with a fraction of the offerings.

• But its temporary, tented status hasn't stopped visitors from flocking to try their luck at the casino's 900+ slot machines and 30+ gaming tables.

By the numbers: In its first six months, the casino 30 miles south of Richmond says, more than 500,000 guests from all 50 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada, have visited.

• 🎰 It's paid 7,400 jackpots totaling $28 million.
• 💰 It generated $13.9 million in state and local gaming taxes through June, according to the Virginia Lottery.

🤑 Yes, but: Those figures are small compared with Live! Casino Virginia's take between its opening and the end of June: $77.1 million in adjusted gaming revenue (AGR).

• AGR is the amount the casino keeps after winnings are paid, but before taxes.

The intrigue: Other than "minor calls for service" due to the influx of half-a-million people, there haven't been any major incidents or noticeable crime upticks in or around the casino, Petersburg's police chief told WTVR.

• That was a big concern for residents ahead of its opening.

What's next: The permanent casino — which will have a hotel, entertainment space, and nearly double the number of slot machines and gaming tables — is still on track to open by the end of next year.