Portsmouth, Va. (WAVY) -- A group of Portsmouth residents is trekking to Richmond Friday to support an effort to authorize casino gaming in Virginia.

The group is advocating for a bill that would allow regulation of casino gaming by the Virginia Lottery Board. They met at a parking lot on High Street and Elm Avenue to the State Capital.

Leaders from three cities, including Portsmouth, are pushing to bring casinos to Virginia.

Earlier this week, Portsmouth announced plans for a proposed waterfront casino on the former Holiday Inn site. The casino could generate about $52 million per year and create 3,000 new jobs. 

City leaders still need the legislation to be passed before the casino becomes a reality.

The bill, which Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) helped introduce, would require a referendum for people to vote either for or against a casino.

Look for more coverage of this story later today.