To the Richmond residents south of the James, it is with deep regret that the vote for a casino came in “no,” and it was due to no fault of yours.

I was so hoping that the casino would be approved because the positive benefits of a casino-resort outweighed the negative.

It seems that the issue centered around the gambling aspects, which then I must ask the following question: What do people think the lottery is, a scratch ticket, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium and, more recently, sportsbook apps? Gambling is and has become a part of our culture.

I am sure that some of us were looking forward to finally staying home and attending local shows and taking advantage of the green space amenities that were to be a part of this venture. We truly lost out just because the north of the James residents could not see or did not want to have progress happen in someone else’s neighborhood.

I refer to the Scott’s Addition residents and the other revitalization of “their” area. Let’s be honest. If monies didn’t line their pockets, then a “no” vote was inevitable.

Now, we are being portrayed as “dead losers.” I refer to the recent Caesars Sportsbook ad that ran immediately following the “no” vote offering Virginians their condolences and giving us the option of joining their gambling pool. They are not providing or offering us anything in return — no revenue, no nothing.

To the Urban One family who accepted the will of the voters in Richmond, we thank you for trying and wish you well as you move forward.

HILDA PERKINS

Midlothian