A Virginia joint legislative commission has proposed that five casinos be licensed to operate in the state - one each in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond. This naturally raises the question, why two casinos (Norfolk and Portsmouth) in the Hampton Roads area - and why no casino in Northern Virginia, the most affluent and populous region in the state (which includes the DC area)? Estimated annual net revenues of $1 billion would translate into $260 million in annual gaming taxes for the state - in addition some 7,000 jobs would be created.

There's no shortage of interested development groups, including Caesars and Hard Rock - but voters would have to approve local casinos via referendum before any of the proposals could move forward. Virginia is one of only 10 states that have no casinos and it seems the Old Dominion may be a little bit late to the party... but from this chip collector's point of view, better late than never.