“It would solve our problems. It’s overwhelming how the match of the need coincides perfectly with something like the casino,” McGlothlin said.

The project, named Bristol Resort and Casino, would create an estimated 2,000 initial jobs and grow to 5,000 or more with an average annual salary of $46,000, McGlothlin said. Plans include building up to 1,000 hotel rooms and a conference center.

“Not one dollar is coming from the city of Bristol, the state of Virginia or the federal government. Clyde and myself are going to put all the money up for this,” McGlothlin said — something both men say they’re proud of.

“We’ve been blessed to be big winners in some of our businesses — and we could be big winners, as well, don’t get me wrong,” McGlothlin said. “But it would be a $30 million annual income for the city of Bristol, not counting the gambling tax. It would be like manna from heaven.”

The casino would likely be located in one of the former anchor stores, such as the former Sears or J.C. Penney locations. It would also be set up so that no children would be in the casino area. Instead, the businessmen plan to create children’s areas with games, activities and entertainment, including swimming pools.