Virginia's casino industry has been on quite a run, and it continued last month., The latest numbers show a substantial increase in revenue this past August.
Compared to last year, casino revenues jumped by an impressive 30.4%, with earnings improving from $65.1 million in August 2024 to a hefty $84.8 million in 2025, according to the Virginia Lottery. The figure has also increased compared to July's numbers.
All of this, while work continues on the Petersburg Casino, which broke ground in March. A temporary casino is also getting set to open in Norfolk, amidst construction on the permanent casino, and discussions continue about legalizing online casinos in Old Dominion.
Yes, there's a lot going on. So, what's behind this dramatic increase? Let's break it down.
The Role of Slots and Table Games
A big chunk of this revenue comes from slot machines, which generated $65.6 million, representing a 36.3% increase over last year. This surge in slot earnings is a key driver of the overall growth.
Table games like blackjack and poker also had a strong showing, raking in $19.2 million. This is a 28.7% increase from last August’s nearly $15 million, indicating a rise in table activity.
Who Are The Big Players in the Virginia Casino Market?
Among the state’s casinos, Caesars Virginia stood out as the front-runner, collecting $34.5 million in August 2025—up a huge 68.4% from the year before. Astonishingly, their slot machine revenue alone ($26.5 million) surpassed their entire earnings for August 2024.
Here is a breakdown of the August 2025 casino revenue gains in Virginia by property and game type, based on official Virginia Lottery figures and industry news:
- Caesars Virginia (Danville): $34.5 million (up 68.4% from August 2024)
- Hard Rock Bristol: $22.3 million (up 40% year-over-year)
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth: $28 million (up 5.2% year-over-year)
Hard Rock Bristol also saw fantastic growth, jumping 40% year-over-year to earn $22.3 million. Both their slots and table games have seen the same level of increase.
Meanwhile, Rivers Casino Portsmouth had a more modest growth of 5.2%, bringing in $28 million. Even though this is the smallest increase among the big three, it's still a positive sign.
Slot revenue was the primary growth driver, with Caesars Virginia alone reporting $26.5 million from slot machines, surpassing its total August 2024 revenue.
Table game revenue also increased sharply across properties, contributing to the overall record-breaking month.
Virginia Casino Taxes Support State Programs
Total taxes and contributions collected: $15.2 million from the casinos' August 2025 revenue.
The bulk of these collections is allocated to:
- General Fund (supports statewide initiatives such as education, infrastructure, and public safety)
- Host city contributions: A portion pis aid directly to the casino's local government to support municipal services and community projects.
- Problem gambling support: Dedicated funds to programs for prevention and treatment.
Virginia casinos pay a graduated tax based on the respective casino's monthly adjusted gross revenue, ranging from 18% to 30% depending on revenue bands.
What Does The Future Hold For Casinos in Virginia?
Several factors have fueled this growth. The new and expanding operations at Caesars Virginia in Danville have been pivotal. They've brought in more visitors with upgrades, like a massive 50,000-square-foot event center, and enhanced marketing and entertainment efforts.
Having only started in the past few years, Virginia's casino scene includes newer venues ramping up their operations, contributing to these eye-catching figures.
Virginia's young casino industry is making waves, emerging as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the U.S. Beyond the fun, casinos have a tangible economic impact—bringing tax revenue, local investments, and even supporting charities.
The future looks bright, with regulators and operators optimistic about sustained growth and potential expansions, including regulated online gaming possibilities. As these casinos continue to mature and evolve, Virginia looks set to keep winning big.
