Virginia Lottery has just posted a March activity report revealing the state’s three casinos generated an impressive $65.1 million in adjusted gross revenue (AGR). The figure represents the total amount of money played minus winnings paid to players.
March revenue is a 13.5% improvement from Virginia casinos’ February 2024 revenue total of $53.7 million. March 2024 casino activity also represents a 73.9% progress compared to the same time last year when only two casinos were operational.
The Old Dominion State also falls into the category of states with legal online sports betting, but there have been no conversations about further expansion of Virginia online casinos.
All three Virginia casinos show a monthly rise in activity
All three retail casinos in Virginia – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia – reported monthly progress in AGR.
In terms of revenue generated, Rivers Casino led the way, as usual, followed by Caesars Virginia and Hard Rock:
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth: $27.7 million in AGR, a 9.8% increase from a month ago
- Caesars Virginia: $21.1 million in revenue, a 12.5% monthly rise
- Hard Rock Bristol: $16.3 million in AGR, a 21.9% surge from February
The biggest month-over-month difference was seen in Caesars Virginia’s slot activity, as the casino made almost $2.4 million more from slots in March than in February. It was also the only place to show a monthly decrease in table game activity.
Of the total $65.1 million, slot revenue activity for the month reached $48.9 million (11.5% monthly increase), while table games play hit nearly $16.2 million (20.1% monthly up).
The Virginia Lottery’s March 2024 casino activity report also notes the state collected $10.3 million in taxes, which is 13.5% more than in February.
Virginia’s governor has had a busy month so far
Earlier this month, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed bills to remove Richmond from the list of eligible cities to host a retail casino. The governor’s move came almost five months after the voters defeated the idea in November to bring a casino to the city’s Southside for the second time.
Another Virginia casino bill, SB628, which would make Petersburg eligible to become one of the cities to host a casino, has passed. The bill now awaits Gov. Youngkin’s response.
Virginia is currently in the process of legalizing and regulating skill games in convenience stores, restaurants and truck stops. Sponsored by Sen. Aaron Rouse, the bill (SB 212) has passed the House of Delegates and the Senate.
Just before the constitutional deadline on Apr. 8, Youngkin sent a bill back to the General Assembly with amendments. The General Assembly will gather on Apr. 17 and continue to work on the bill.
For the bill to succeed, both halves of the Virginia legislature must vote down some or all the skill game amendments when Youngkin gets the final say. He could either sign or veto the bill returned to him.