The Virginia Lottery announced that the state’s casinos generated nearly $56.6 million in adjusted gaming revenue (AGR) for September. The number represents the total amount of money played minus winnings paid to players.
The money comes from three active casinos in Virginia, with Rivers traditionally leading the way:
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth: $24,216,039.79
- Caesars Virginia: $18,255,465.11
- HR Bristol: $14,091,172.14
Total adjusted gaming revenue for September 2024: $56,562,677.04
Usually, most of the money comes from the slot machines. September was no exception, with slots making over 76% of the total revenue.
Key takeaways
- Online casinos in Virginia are not yet legal.
- Virginia’s September AGR represents a monthly decrease from August.
- The revenue VA casinos generated last month shows an annual increase.
- Revenue numbers and contributions to the state could soon change as Virginia’s first permanent casino opens this fall.
September casino revenue is the fifth monthly drop this year in Virginia
According to the Virginia Lottery’s September 2024 report, revenue decreased monthly by almost 10.3% from nearly $63.1 million the three Virginia casinos generated in August 2024.
Monthly revenue has consistently been going up and down, and here’s how the numbers have changed since the beginning of the year:
Month | Adjusted Gross Revenue | Monthly Change |
---|---|---|
January | $52.9 million | -9.7% |
February | $53.3 million | 8.5% |
March | $65.1 million | 13.5% |
April | $60.1 million | -7.7% |
May | $62.7 million | 4.4% |
June | $59.5 million | -5.2% |
July | $59.3 million | -0.3% |
August | $63.1 million | 6.3% |
September | $56.6 million | -10.3% |
Nearly 76.1% of the AGR (or $43 million) was generated by slots, whereas table games accounted for the remaining 24% ($13.5 million).
The Virginia Lottery’s latest data also reveals that the September figure is almost a 9% increase from the $51.9 million VA casinos earned in September 2023.
In September, Virginia casinos paid nearly $11.4 million in total tax. The money supports the host city, problem gambling treatment, family and children’s trust fund, and more.
Virginia’s first permanent casino, Hard Rock Casino Bristol, opens soon
These contributions to the state could increase as of this fall, as the new permanent casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, is scheduled to open in less than a month.
The casino’s opening was pushed back after a summer delay. However, Virginia’s first permanent casino has finally announced it will open on Nov. 14.
As the WJHL recently reported, casino management announced that country artist Blake Shelton would perform at noon on Nov. 14 as the gaming company celebrates the grand opening of its permanent facility.
The venue, located at the 620,000-square-foot resort at 500 Gate City Highway, will include:
- Nearly 1,500 slot machines
- More than 50 table games
- A sportsbook
- A 303-room hotel and multiple dining options
The resort currently has around 790 employees, but it looks to nearly double that number.
In other Virginia gaming news, the Norfolk City Council gave Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe permission to start building a fourth Virginia casino.