In November 2024, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol celebrated a record-breaking month, achieving the highest adjusted gaming revenue (AGR) in its history. The combined AGR for the property surpassed $18.07 million, eclipsing the previous record of $16.27 million set in March 2024. This milestone coincided with the grand opening of the permanent Hard Rock facility, which significantly boosted foot traffic and revenue for the venue.

A transition month with impressive results:

The month was marked by a notable transition as operations shifted from the temporary Bristol Casino to the new Hard Rock facility. The temporary casino, which had been operating since July 2022, remained open for just the first 10 days of November, closing at 3 a.m. on November 11. The permanent Hard Rock casino officially opened its doors on November 14 at noon, ushering in a new era for gaming in Southwest Virginia.

According to Bristol Herald Courrier, the grand opening drew widespread attention, with over 58,000 guests visiting the new casino during its opening four-day weekend. By the end of the month, more than 100,000 visitors had experienced the venue, setting a strong foundation for its future success. The property’s upgraded features, including its expanded gaming floor, likely contributed to its heightened appeal among players.

Slot machines were a key driver of the casino’s November success. The Hard Rock operated 1,408 slot machines, which collectively generated $15.5 million in revenue—a significant leap from the previous record of $13.28 million set in August 2024. This growth underscores the popularity of the casino’s expanded offerings and the strong demand for gaming in the region.

While slot machine earnings soared, table game revenue for the month was $2.56 million, which, although impressive, fell short of the all-time high of $3.15 million recorded in July 2024. Despite this, the combined performance of slots and table games propelled the casino to an unprecedented monthly total.

Expanded amenities and future plans:

The transition to the permanent Hard Rock facility also marks a new chapter for the temporary casino space, which is undergoing renovations. The former gaming area is being reconfigured into a non-smoking gaming space and a dedicated poker room. These enhancements are scheduled for completion in early 2025, further diversifying the property’s offerings and catering to a broader audience.

As Virginia Lottery reports, the record-breaking gaming revenue translated into significant tax contributions for the state and local communities. Hard Rock Bristol generated $3.25 million in gaming taxes in November, surpassing the previous high of $2.92 million set in March 2024. Of this total, $1.08 million was directed to the Regional Improvement Commission (RIC), a fund benefiting Southwest Virginia localities. This amount represents a new record for RIC contributions, exceeding the prior record of $976,000.

Statewide, the taxes collected from all casinos in November totaled $13.3 million. These funds are allocated to various programs, including the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and the Family and Children’s Trust Fund, as well as to the host cities of the casinos.

Virginia casinos post strong November results:

Across Virginia, the three operating casinos—Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and the temporary Caesars Virginia in Danville—reported a combined AGR of $63.57 million for November. Slot machines accounted for nearly $48 million of this total, while table games contributed $15.69 million.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth led the state in revenue, reporting $25.7 million in AGR, including $17.8 million from its 1,400 slot machines and $7.8 million from its 85 table games. The temporary Caesars Virginia casino in Danville followed with $19.77 million in AGR, with $14.5 million generated from its 826 slot machines and $5.27 million from its 136 table games.