Temporary facilities generate over $270 million in gaming revenue in 2023
The two cities of Danville and Bristol are eagerly awaiting the opening of their permanent casino resorts in 2024, as the temporary facilities have been attracting thousands of visitors and generating millions of dollars in gaming revenue since their launch in 2023.
The temporary Danville Casino, operated by Caesars Virginia, opened in September 2023 at the former Dan River Mills industrial complex. The facility features 500 slot machines, a sportsbook, a restaurant, and a bar. According to Chris Albrecht, Caesars Virginia general manager, the casino has seen about 100,000 visitors per month and has brought in over $120 million in gaming revenue in 2023.
The temporary Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, operated by Hard Rock International, opened in November 2023 at the former Bristol Mall. The facility offers 600 slot machines, a sportsbook, a restaurant, and a bar. According to Jim McGlothlin, chairman and CEO of The United Company, one of the partners of the project, the casino has seen about 150,000 visitors per month and has generated over $150 million in gaming revenue in 2023.
Both temporary casinos are open 24/7 and have created hundreds of jobs for the local communities. They have also contributed to the state and local tax revenues, as well as to various causes such as education, tourism, and problem gambling prevention.
Permanent resorts to offer more amenities and entertainment options
While the temporary casinos have been successful, the permanent resorts are expected to offer more amenities and entertainment options for the visitors, as well as more economic benefits for the regions.
The permanent Caesars Virginia, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2024, will be a $650 million project that will feature a 320-room hotel, a 90,000-square-foot casino floor with 1,400 slot machines and table games, a 40,000-square-foot meeting and convention space, an entertainment venue that will host 2,500 people, and several restaurants and bars. The resort will also have a spa, a pool, a fitness center, and a gift shop. The project will create 1,300 permanent jobs and 900 construction jobs.
The permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which is slated to open in the summer of 2024, will be a $400 million project that will include a 303-room hotel, a 75,000-square-foot casino floor with 1,800 slot machines and table games, a 15,000-square-foot meeting and convention space, an entertainment venue that will accommodate 2,000 people, and several restaurants and bars. The resort will also have a spa, a pool, a fitness center, and a retail area. The project will create 1,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs.
Both permanent resorts will also feature sports betting, online gaming, and live dealer games, which are expected to increase the gaming revenue and customer base.
Danville and Bristol hope to boost tourism and economic development
The casino projects in Danville and Bristol are part of a larger effort to boost tourism and economic development in the regions, which have been struggling with population decline, unemployment, and poverty for decades.
Danville and Bristol were among the four cities in Virginia that were authorized by the state legislature and approved by the voters to host casino gaming, along with Norfolk and Portsmouth. The casino projects were seen as a way to revitalize the cities and create new sources of income and jobs.
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said that the casino project is a “game-changer” for the city, which has been trying to reinvent itself after the loss of its textile and tobacco industries. He said that the casino will attract more visitors and businesses to the city, as well as improve the quality of life for the residents.
Bristol Mayor Bill Hartley said that the casino project is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the city, which has been facing competition from neighboring states such as Tennessee and North Carolina. He said that the casino will bring more tourism and commerce to the city, as well as enhance the cultural and entertainment offerings.
Both mayors also expressed their gratitude to the voters, the state officials, and the casino operators for their support and cooperation in making the casino projects possible.
