Virginia’s casino industry is kicking off 2025 on a high note. The state’s three land-based casinos pulled in a combined $72.3 million in total gaming revenue for January—an impressive 36% jump from the $52.8 million recorded in January 2024, according to the latest Virginia Lottery report.
The driving force behind this surge? Caesars Virginia in Danville, which has firmly established itself as the market leader after settling into its permanent location.
Caesars Virginia Dominates with Explosive Growth
Caesars Virginia came out swinging in its first full month at its permanent site, delivering numbers that far outpaced the competition. The casino’s 1,479 slot machines raked in $21.1 million in adjusted gaming revenue (AGR), marking a staggering 73.2% increase over the same period last year.
Table games weren’t far behind. The casino’s 137 tables brought in $7.1 million, a strong 46.6% year-over-year increase. Put together, Caesars Virginia posted a total AGR of $28.5 million for the month—an impressive 65.7% surge from January 2024.
Hard Rock Bristol Sees Strong Gains
Not to be outdone, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol also reported significant growth. The property’s AGR climbed 53.3% compared to last year, fueled by strong performances across both slot machines and table games.
- Slot revenue soared 52.9%, reaching $15.1 million.
- Table game revenue saw an even bigger jump, rising 54.9% to $3.3 million.
Hard Rock Bristol continues to solidify its position in Virginia’s casino landscape, drawing steady interest from players and boosting tax contributions.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth Posts Modest Growth
While Rivers Casino Portsmouth didn’t see the same explosive gains as its competitors, it still posted a respectable 7.2% year-over-year increase in AGR. The casino brought in $25.2 million for the month, proving it remains a major player in the market.
Tax Contributions and Community Impact
With casino revenue climbing, tax collections followed suit. Virginia Lottery officials reported that the state pulled in over $13 million in tax revenue from casino operations in January. Here’s where the money went:
| Fund | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund | $100,000+ |
| Family and Children’s Trust Fund | $26,000 |
| Host Cities (combined) | $4.3 million |
| Gaming Proceeds Fund | $8.5 million |
These contributions help support gambling addiction treatment programs, local governments, and state initiatives. With revenues trending upward, Virginia can expect even greater tax contributions in the months ahead.
Future Casino Expansion Faces Uncertainty
Virginia’s casino industry might be on the verge of further expansion—if lawmakers get on board. A proposal to bring a casino to Fairfax County had been under discussion, but momentum stalled when the Virginia House decided to table the bill.
For now, it’s unclear if or when the measure will resurface. A casino in Northern Virginia could be a game-changer, but local opposition and political hurdles could keep the idea shelved for the foreseeable future.
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