Virginia casinos are experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and making significant contributions to the state's economy at the same time.
Last month, gaming revenues from the state's three operational casinos totaled approximately $85 million, which is an impressive increase of about $7 million from April.
This is based on figures provided by the Virginia Lottery.
May 2025 Revenue Breakdown
May's big revenue figures highlight the growing popularity of casinos in Virginia. Here's a look at how each casino performed:
- Caesars Virginia in Danville: The latest casino addition recorded the highest figures, generating nearly $34 million in revenues for May, with $25 million from 1,477 slots and $9 million from 100 table games. It's made big strides since opening just before Christmas last year.
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth: Known as Virginia’s first permanent casino, it brought in roughly $28 million in May, earning $20 million from 1,419 slots and $8 million from 84 table games. The casino just paid out a massive $500,000 jackpot winner, too.
- Hard Rock Bristol: As the pioneer of Virginia's casino industry, Hard Rock Bristol reported around $23 million in adjusted gaming revenues. About $19 million of this came from its 1,423 slot machines, with the remaining $4 million generated by 73 table games. A television station has also launched there since it began operations in November.
A Brief History of Casinos in Virginia
The journey to get here was relatively recent.
For years, casino gaming was not permitted in Virginia. However, in 2019, the Virginia General Assembly legalized casino gaming in select cities to stimulate economic development.
This led to the establishment of Hard Rock Bristol, which opened first as a temporary facility in 2022, followed by a permanent location in 2024. Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened its doors in early 2023, and Caesars Virginia welcomed guests by the end of 2024.
Tax Contributions and Community Benefits
The taxes collected from casino revenues in May amounted to roughly $15 million, supporting not just the state budget but also local communities:
- Portsmouth received around $1.7 million from Rivers Casino's contributions.
- Danville's share from Caesars Virginia totaled $2 million.
- The Bristol Casino directed about $1.4 million to the Regional Improvement Commission for distribution across Southwest Virginia.
Additionally, funds were allocated to specific social projects: the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund received approximately $123,000, while the Family and Children’s Trust Fund collected nearly $31,000.
Future Developments on the Horizon
Virginia's casino landscape is set to grow even further with several promising projects underway:
- Norfolk Casino: Ground broke on this $750 million project in early 2025, building toward a temporary casino by year-end. The Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming are key players in the venture.
- Petersburg Casino: Following a successful referendum in late 2024, construction began in March on this $1.4 billion project led by The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise.
Additionally, Rivers Casino Portsmouth is planning a $65 million hotel, set to break ground this summer, adding another layer to its attractions.
The surge in May 2025 revenues marks a thriving period for Virginia's casino industry, reflecting its role as a key economic driver. With new projects and continued support for local areas, the casino business is expected to keep growing and remain important to Virginia's economy.
