Local funds from Bristol Casino now top $22 million

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — Bristol’s temporary casino had a dip in revenue in September, but a fund from casino proceeds that helps 12 area counties and two cities has now topped $22 million in slightly over two years.

With the permanent location for the Bristol Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s opening just weeks away, the temporary location took in a total of $14.1 million in “adjusted gross revenue” (AGR) in September. That take, which was $1.3 million more than the same period a year earlier, included $11.7 million in revenue from slot machines and $2.4 million from table games.

Six percent of the total AGR goes into what is known as the “Regional Improvement Commission” (RIC) — an amount that totaled $845,470 in September. The RIC funds are split evenly between 12 Southwest Virginia counties and two independent cities. They’re required to spend the funds on improving transportation, education and safety in the area.

Average monthly AGR for the first nine months of 2024 was almost 8% higher than the first nine months of 2023 — $14.5 million this year compared to $13.4 million last year.

The 620,000-square-foot permanent casino location at 500 Gate City Highway will celebrate its grand opening Nov. 14.

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