Hard Rock Bristol's May revenues continue upward climb

BRISTOL, Va. — The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol posted its highest earnings yet in May, the Virginia Lottery recently reported, bringing in $24.1 million from slots and table games. Earnings breakdown The lottery showed the casino earned $19,278,994.10 from 1,327 slot machines and $4,904,839.75 from 73 table games, for a total of $24,183,833.85 in adjusted gross revenues. The casino previously reported its highest AGR of more than $23.3 million in May 2026. From April to May, the casino saw a $807,433.66 increase in monthly revenue. For the first five months of 2026, the casino has brought in a total AGR exceeding $110 million. State tax funds from the casino's AGR are required by the commonwealth to go toward the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, the Family and Children's Trust Fund and the host locality. However, the statute also specifies the portion of taxes from the Bristol Casino normally reserved for the host locality go to the Regional Improvement Commission, which was designed to facilitate revenue sharing from Virginia's first-ever casino throughout Southwest Virginia. Where will the money go?The commission will receive $1,451,030.03; the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund will see $34,824.72; the Family and Children's Trust Fund will receive $8,706.18 and $2,858,529.16 will remain in the Gaming Proceeds Fund. About the casino The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol celebrated its grand opening in November 2024 with a signature Hard Rock Guitar Smash and a live performance from Blake Shelton at the new entertainment venue on the property. July 2025 marked the three-year anniversary of the temporary casino's opening. The Virginia Lottery Board approved the casino license for Hard Rock Bristol in April 2022, and the temporary facility on the site of the former Bristol Mall opened to the public on July 8, 2022. The Virginia Lottery Board approved the casino license for Rivers Casino Portsmouth in November 2022. Casino gaming oversight The Virginia Lottery assumed regulatory oversight of casino gaming in the commonwealth in 2020. Taxes generated by casino gaming will benefit priorities as determined by the General Assembly. For more information Information about casinos, including regulations and approvals, can be viewed at vagamingregulations.com. The Bristol Casino is located at 500 Gate City Highway.