Bristol Casino bettors wagers $37 million in first week operation

According to the Virginia Lottery Board, bettors wagered more than $37.5 million and won more than $33.7 million, or roughly 90% of what was wagered during the first full week of operation of the temporary Hard Rock Casino in Bristol.

During the first nine days, including soft opening events, $34.5 million was spent on slot machines (90 percent of wagers) and $2.9 million on tables. The casino earned $3.74 million in adjusted gaming revenue after payouts, and it paid more than $673,000 in taxes.

The casino’s nearly 900 slot machines generated more than 90% of the revenue, or approximately $600,000. Customers won nearly 87 percent of their bets at the casino’s 21 tables, which generated more than $71,200, and nearly 90 percent of their bets at the slot machines.

Table games accounted for more than $2.93 million in wagers. More than $2.54 million was won by the bettors.

The Bristol Casino is the first of four casinos in the state to open for business as a result of a General Assembly law passed in 2020. Hard Rock International held a final hiring event for its temporary casino in June. Applicants must be over the age of 18 to apply for positions such as retail staff, security, and dealers. The casino now employs around 600 people, the vast majority of whom are from Virginia and Tennessee.

The 30,000-square-foot temporary casino features nearly 900 gaming slots and 20 tables for a variety of gaming options. There are non-smoking and high-limit gaming areas in addition to the main casino floor. The restaurant, a grab-and-go food outlet, and a sports bar and lounge with entertainment are all available at the venue.

Bristol’s permanent $300 million casino will feature 2,700 slots and 100 table games, as well as multiple restaurants and bars, an outdoor concert venue, convention space, and a variety of shops. Construction will take another 18 months to two years, and it is scheduled to open in 2024.

The Virginia Lottery Board granted Hard Rock a license to operate Virginia’s first casino in April. The Virginia Lottery Board issued the license in a 7-0 vote after reviewing the application materials and conducting a background investigation.