State Sen. Bill Carrico, R-Galax, predicts the effort will encounter a substantial struggle in Richmond. Carrico said the group is seeking legislation to allow the mall to operate a gambling casino — something not currently permitted anywhere in the state.

“They’ve put together a plan on how to do it but I haven’t really committed to doing anything. I really don’t know how you would do it,” Carrico said. “You’re talking about trying to carve out the city by using numbers like we did with the tax credit [legislation for The Falls], and I just don’t think that will work because so many localities want to do it, too. You had the Pamunkey Indian Tribe that’s looking to do a casino [in New Kent, Va.], so you’ve got to satisfy that.”

Gambling casinos currently operate in 39 states, including 30 states which permit casinos on Native American land, according to the American Gaming Association.

“I just don’t support things like that. It would be very difficult,” Carrico said. “I’m trying to keep an open mind as to what they’re doing and if it would be helpful not harmful. The jury is still out with me; I’m skeptical of it.”

Carrico, historically, has voted against previous efforts to expand gambling interests across Virginia and worries how such an enterprise might impact the region.