Virginia Casino Announces Grand Opening as Betting Breaks $1 Billion Mark

Virginia Casino Announces Grand Opening as Betting Breaks $1 Billion Mark

The first Virginia casino to take bets in the commonwealth is ready to unveil its full-scale gambling destination.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol confirmed its grand opening plans in an Oct. 9 announcement. The permanent casino will open at noon local time on Thursday, Nov. 14, with a Hard Rock Guitar Smash and a concert by country music icon Blake Shelton.

Hard Rock Initially Took Bets at Temporary Casino

In the meantime, the company continues to operate Bristol Casino — Future Home of Hard Rock. Bettors placed Virginia’s first-ever casino wagers at the Hard Rock venue on July 8, 2022.

Through 26 reporting months, the Bristol casino has generated $358.7 million in adjusted gross revenue, according to the Virginia Lottery.

The latest numbers also suggest the temporary Bristol casino had its second-biggest month ever in August 2024, with $15.94 million in adjusted gaming revenue. March 2024 holds the current record at Hard Rock with $26.27 million.

Virginia Casino Industry Passed $1 Billion Mark in July

Three Virginia casinos are taking bets, and the venues have combined for $1.12 billion in adjusted gaming revenue since casino wagering became an option in the commonwealth:

  • Rivers Casino Portsmouth leads Virginia casino revenue at $457.5 million. It opened in January 2023 — about six months after the Bristol temporary casino debut.
  • Danville Casino — Future Home of Caesars Virginia opened in May 2023 and has generated $300.7 million in lifetime revenue.

Online Sports Betting Also an Option

Customers had access to the company’s online sports betting app a few months earlier. The Hard Rock Bet app accepted its first Virginia wagers on March 31, 2022.

Hard Rock International COO Jon Lucas said the company is thrilled to unveil the full Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol.

“Hard Rock’s rich history fits perfectly with Bristol’s distinction as the ‘Birthplace of Country Music,” he said. “Both the Hard Rock brand and the new hotel and casino are rooted in great music.”

What to Expect at the New Virginia Casino

Bristol is located on the western tip of Virginia on the state’s border with Tennessee. The location allows Hard Rock to draw visitors from North Carolina as well.

Bettors will find a 620,000-square-foot resort destination with:

  • nearly 1,500 slot machines
  • over 50 table games, and
  • a sportsbook.

Beyond the casino floor, visitors will find:

  • a 303-room hotel
  • the signature Hard Rock Cafe
  • Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
  • YOUYU Asian Dining
  • Constant Grind coffee shop and bakery
  • the Marketplace restaurant.

The casino resort will also house authentic music memorabilia and a 2,000-seat entertainment venue.

“I am so proud of everyone who has helped us prepare for the grand opening,” Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol President Allie Evangelista said. “Our incredible Hard Rock team has worked so hard to reach this milestone moment. And, we have been inspired by the amazing support from the Bristol community.”

Altogether, Virginia voters approved four casinos in the 2020 election cycle. While three are already generating revenue, development disputes stalled progress for a Norfolk casino.

In September, the Norfolk City Council and Pamunkey Indian Tribe updated their casino agreement to develop the single-phase casino project. Developers hope to have a temporary casino open by November 2025 and a permanent resort open at some point in 2027.

About the Author
Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell

Lead Writer
Russ Mitchell joined Gaming Today as a lead writer in February 2023 after joining Catena Media in 2021 as a managing editor for the PlayIA and PlayVA brands. He covers sports betting industry, market developments, the college sports betting industry, and the four major North American pro sports leagues. He brings 25+ years of journalism experience to Gaming Today. He is a five-time winner of the Iowa’s prestigious Harrison “Skip” Weber Investigative Reporting award, a two-time National Newspaper Association award winner and a 50-time Iowa Newspaper Association award winner.

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