The lone physical casino in Virginia, in Bristol, enjoyed almost 14.9 million in gross gaming revenue for December, according to the commonwealth Lottery.
That total – at Bristol Hard Rock Casino – set a record for the temporary facility.
The gambling hall, which sits on the commonwealth’s southern border adjacent to Tennessee, carries the self-identification tag of “Future Home of Hard Rock,” with a permanent Hard Rock Hotel planned.
Almost Six Months Since Bristol Casino Opened
After being approved for a casino license in April 2022 by the Virginia Lottery Board, the temporary gambling hall opened July 8 on the site of the former Bristol Mall.
The large, grand Hard Rock branded-facility is planned for a Summer 2024 opening.
The December casino adjusted gross revenue of $14,879,037, was up 17.6% from the November Virginia casino revenue total of $12,650,361. The previous high was $14,305,177 in September.
December’s casino slots revenue of $12,136,049 was up 16.6% from November’s $10,410,087. As for the table games, those brought in $2,742,988 last month, a 22.4% increase in a month-over-month comparison with the $2,240,274 recorded in November.
The December casino tax of $2,678,227 was a 17.6% boost from November ($2,277,065), according to the Virginia Lottery.
Capacity of Bristol Hard Rock
The current Bristol gambling facility has 870 slots plus traditional table games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat.
It is the first physical casino in the state, increasing gaming options for a scene that has included online Virginia sports betting since January 2021.
The permanent facility is expected to have about 2,700 slots, 100 table games, a 750-room hotel, a concert facility holding at least 3,000 as well as a dedicated sportsbook.
There has not been much movement for the legislature to approve online casinos in Virginia yet, though that has been a lucrative revenue stream in other states.
