March turned out to be a historic month for casinos in Virginia.
With five major casinos in operation—Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Caesars Virginia, The Interim Gaming Hall Norfolk, and Live! Petersburg, Virginia, has seen its highest-ever monthly revenue from casino gaming.
The total revenue for March soared past the $100 million mark, reaching an impressive $100.1 million. It's the first time monthly revenues have exceeded $100 million since casinos began operating.
Breaking Down the Virginia Casino Numbers
Each casino contributed significantly to this record-breaking total. Here’s a look at how individual casinos performed:
Caesars Virginia led the pack with a total Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of $34.2 million. With 1,605 gaming machines and tables, this casino remains a frontrunner in Virginia's gaming industry.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth followed with $27.5 million in AGR. With 1,499 gaming options, it remains a popular choice for players.
Hard Rock Bristol posted a healthy AGR of $22.1 million, with 1,351 slots and tables providing plenty of action for visitors.
Live! Petersburg also made a strong showing with an AGR of $15.2 million.
Finally, The Interim Gaming Hall Norfolk, operated in partnership with the Pamunkey Tribe, contributed $1.1 million in AGR with its 132 slot machines.
Taxes and Contributions Made by Virginia Casinos
Virginia law mandates taxes on casino AGR, meaning a portion of the revenue is returned to the community and state programs. This is how the $18 million in taxes distributed for March breaks down:
Host Cities and Regional Improvement Commission (RIC): These entities received a total of $6 million to fund local initiatives and improvements.
Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund: This fund, which aids those struggling with gambling addiction, received $144,093.52.
Family and Children’s Trust Fund: Dedicated to supporting family welfare programs, this fund received $36,023.38.
Virginia Indigenous People’s Trust Fund: Specifically linked to the Norfolk project, this trust fund received $10,677.66, fostering support for indigenous communities.
The remaining funds continue to bolster the Gaming Proceeds Fund, supporting various statewide projects.
What's the Latest on Online Casinos in Virginia?
Online casinos in Virginia aren't legal yet. However, the state is making progress toward changing this. During the 2026 General Assembly session, lawmakers took important steps to legalize online casinos, but full approval and the start of operations are not expected until at least 2027 or 2028.
Two major bills were introduced in 2026. House Bill 161, led by Delegate Marcus Simon, and Senate Bill 118, led by Senator Mamie Locke, both aimed at legalizing regulated online casino gaming—covering games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker.
Both bills moved forward in their respective chambers of government, each passing by a narrow margin after several votes. The bills differed in areas such as tax rates, implementation timelines, and regulation.
In March 2026, a conference committee worked to resolve differences between the bills. However, no final agreement was reached before the legislative session ended on March 14.
An important change in the House version of the bill requires approval by the full General Assembly in both 2026 and 2027. Because of this, even if the bills are reintroduced and passed next year, online casinos in Virginia likely won't be available until January 1, 2028—or possibly as early as July 2027 if some versions are adopted.
Casinos in Virginia Continue to Thrive
As Virginia's casino industry grows, more communities and programs across the state are experiencing the positive ripple effects of increased revenue. These funds are helping to support infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community well-being. The record-breaking numbers from March showcase the potential of Virginia's gaming industry and hint at even more growth in the coming months.
The excitement of casino gaming aligns with substantial benefits for all Virginians, making this month’s report not just an economic triumph but a community victory as well. Whether it's for the thrill of a win or the promise of community enhancement, Virginia's casinos continue to play a significant role in the state's vibrancy.
