Hard Rock Bristol Casino Achieves Record-Breaking Revenues
December 17, 2024 Marija D
In a landmark month for Virginia’s casino industry, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol achieved its highest adjusted gaming revenue since operations began at its location in July 2022. The combined adjusted gaming revenue for casinos at 500 Gate City Highway reached over $18.07 million in November, significantly suring the previous high of $16.27 million recorded in March 2024.
November marked a transitional period for Hard Rock Bristol, as the temporary casino operated until 3 a.m. on November 11. The permanent facility officially opened its doors at noon on November 14, ushering in a new era for the property. During its debut four-day weekend, the permanent casino welcomed 58,000 visitors, with over 100,000 guests visiting by the end of the month.
Virginia’s Casino Revenue Trends
According to the Virginia Lottery’s latest report, the state’s three operational casinos—Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia—together generated $63.6 million in gaming revenue for November. This figure reflects an 11.5% increase compared to October’s earnings.
Slots were the primary revenue driver across all properties, ing for $47.8 million, while table games contributed $15.6 million.
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth: Achieved $25.7 million in adjusted gaming revenue, with $17.8 million from slots and $7.8 million from table games.
- Caesars Virginia: Generated $19.7 million, including $14.5 million from slots and $5.2 million from table games.
- Hard Rock Bristol: Reported $18 million in revenue, with $15.5 million attributed to slot machines and $2.5 million to table games.
The three casinos collectively paid $13.3 million in taxes to the Gaming Proceeds Fund in November. These funds are allocated to various state programs, including the Problem Gambling Treatment and Fund and the Family and Children’s Trust Fund.
For Bristol specifically, the portion of taxes earmarked for the host city is directed to the Regional Improvement Commission (RIC) as stipulated by state law. This ensures that gaming revenue contributes directly to regional development and public projects.
Expanding Virginia’s Casino Landscape
The November achievements come as Virginia’s casino industry continues to evolve. Hard Rock Bristol launched its temporary facility in July 2022, transitioning to its permanent casino in November 2024. Rivers Casino Portsmouth began operations in January 2023, while Caesars Virginia opened a temporary facility in May 2023. The latter’s permanent casino is set to open on December 17, further solidifying Virginia’s growing gaming market.
Hard Rock Bristol’s November success underscores the potential for continued growth within the state’s gaming sector, as casinos establish themselves as entertainment hubs and economic contributors in their respective regions.
Source:
”Virginia Lottery releases November casino activity report”, varealmoneyaction.casinowinning.net, December 13, 2024.
This is an impressive milestone for Hard Rock Bristol and the Virginia casino industry as a whole. Breaking a revenue record during a transitional month speaks volumes about the popularity of the new permanent facility. The grand opening, with over 58,000 visitors in just four days, highlights how much excitement there is around this development. It would be interesting to see how these numbers evolve over the next few months as the casino settles into regular operations and whether the impact will extend to boosting local businesses and tourism in the area.