Hard Rock in Bristol, VA Sets Monthly Record Immediately After Big Move

A casino in Bristol, Virginia produced a record-setting month during its first at its permanent location.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol generated more than $18 million in adjusted gaming revenue (AGR), outperforming the previous monthly-high of $16.3 million set in March 2024. The new total resulted in $3.2 million in taxes for the state.

Though it is early, the report confirms the hopes of casino-backers and local officials who believe the casino can provide a serious form of economic stimulus and stuff the state tax kitty.

Making a mark

Hard Rock made the move to its permanent home halfway through November. It is one of three casinos that are operational in Virginia, though another in Norfolk will soon be on the way.

Of the $18.1 million in AGR reported by the Virginia Lottery via Hard Rock Bristol, $15.5 million came from slot machines inside the casino. That came in part due to the 1,408 slots that are available inside the casino, a 55 percent increase on those that were found in the temporary location.

The $15.5 million figure bested the previous monthly total for slots by 17 percent dating back to the opening of the temporary location in July 2022.

However, table game revenue fell to $2.6 million, which was not even close to the monthly record. That’s despite the permanent casino boasting 62 live-dealer table games as opposed to the 29 at the temporary facility.

The $18.1 million total also outpaced the $13.4 million reported in October 2024, the final complete month of operations at the temporary facility.

Tracking the money

Another victory cemented by the recent report is that, for the first time, the casino helped supply more than $1 million to the Regional Improvement Commission (RIC). 

12 counties in southwest Virginia and the cities of Bristol and Norton supply funds to the RIC evenly. The proceeds are allocated to public improvement projects, such as education, transportation and safety.

The $1.1 million received by the RIC in November brings its total to nearly $24 million.

State taxes received as a result of the casino’s operations are also partly required to go to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, the Family and Children’s Trust Fund, and the host locality.

Based on the breakdown, $2.1 million of the monthly taxes will stay in the Gaming Proceeds Fund. $26,024.87 will be awarded to the problem gambling fund, and $6,506.22 will be sent to the Family and Children’s Trust Fund.

The Hard Rock Bristol celebrated its official grand opening on Nov. 14 with a performance from country music star Blake Shelton.

Work on the permanent location has been ongoing for more than a year. The Kingsport Times News reported that the foundation was set in July 2024.