Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies have named Yanina De Vargas as chief financial officer for Live! Casino Virginia, a temporary gaming facility expected to open by the end of 2025.

The interim site, which will include a casino bar, a restaurant and parking for 1,000 vehicles, is part of a larger $1.4 billion plan to develop a mixed-use resort in Petersburg. Once operational, the temporary casino will feature 75,000 square feet of gaming space with 900 slot machines and 33 live table games.

It will remain in use while construction continues on the permanent Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, scheduled to open in 2027.

De Vargas previously served as vice president of finance at MGM Northfield Park in Ohio, where she led companywide financial operations, capital planning and process improvements. In her new role, she will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and compliance, as well as manage revenue tracking, cost control and risk assessment.

“We are incredibly fortunate as a company to have a CFO as qualified and ready as Yanina,” said Penny Parayo, senior vice president and general manager for Live! Casino Virginia. “This project will jumpstart job creation and supplier partnerships in Petersburg while delivering meaningful economic impact to the city from day one.”

For more information, visit valive.casino.