The Virginia Lottery has updated stakeholders on the performance of the state’s first casino, reporting that Hard Rock Bristol Casino contributed over $2.5m in taxes to the state during August.
Reporting on the temporary casino’s trading, the lottery noted that Hard Rock Bristol generated almost $14.3m during August – an increase of 22.2% from the first month of operations in July – broken down by slot games and table games.
From 870 slot games, the casino earned $11.4m in adjusted gross revenues, up 11.7% from July’s total of $10.2m. Meanwhile, the casino garnered $2.8m from 21 table games, up 86.7% on the $1.4m made in the previous month.
As per the state’s regulations on taxes from casino operations, Hard Rock contributed 18% of AGR to go towards the Gaming Proceeds Fund. This totalled $2.57m for August, up 21.8% from July’s figure of $2.11m.
This has been broken down into $865,762 for the Regional Improvement Commission, $20,562 for the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, and $5,140 for the Family and Children’s Trust Fund. The remaining $1.7m will be available in the Gaming Proceeds Fund.
The lottery approved Hard Rock for a casino license in April, with the temporary casino opening its doors on July 8.
The casino is situated at the site of the former Bristol Mall, acting as a warm-up to a permanent Hard Rock Hotel and Casino set to open in the city within the next two years.
The temporary casino is expected to create 600 jobs whilst contributing to the local economy.