Virginia Casinos Generate $74.9 Million in Revenues in December, up 28% year-on-year

The Virginia Lottery has announced its casino revenue figures for December 2024, revealing the state’s three casinos combined for an adjusted gaming revenue (AGR) of $74.9 million. This number represents an 18% increase from November's $63.6 million in revenue. It’s also a rise of 28% from December 2023, when casinos generated just $58.5 million in revenues.

Caesars and Hard Rock See Significant Growth

Three casinos are operating in Virginia: Caesars Virginia, Hard Rock Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. Caesars reported 43.5% more in year-on-year revenues, assisted by the opening of its permanent casino on December 17. 

The casino generated $28.3 million in total AGR, up from $19.8 million the year prior. That was propelled by slots revenue, which grew to $21.5 million from $14.5 million, and table games to $6.8 million from $5.3 million. Slots accounted for $56.6 million of the state-wide total, with table games contributing $18.3 million. 

Hard Rock Bristol saw its AGR increase from $18.1 million in November 2024 to $20.6 million in December, largely thanks to the $1.6 million surge in table games. That was also a 38.4% rise in AGR from December 2023.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth added an AGR of $25.9 million, up 8.7% from the $23.8 million generated in December 2023.

The three casinos paid $16.2 million in taxes into Virginia's Gaming Proceeds Fund last month, compared to $13.3 million a month earlier. The money goes toward public services, including education and infrastructure.

Challenges in Adding a Casino to Tysons

While December’s numbers show the Virginia casino industry is growing, it’s not without its challenges. The state has faced issues increasing its casinos by expanding into Tysons. Senator Scott Surovell filed a bill to allow a casino construction project in the area in January 2025.

Proponents of the Tysons casino believe it could mirror the success other states have experienced: urban casinos bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs. Tysons, a commercial hub, offers a prime location for a casino, affording access to wealthy clientele and proximity to Washington D.C.

However, as many as 109 former defense industry, intelligence community, and government officials signed a letter recently citing concern that the casino’s location poses a possible threat to critical federal facilities.

The casino would be near major national security entities, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Additionally, city officials in Petersburg have rejected implementing a commission to oversee the distribution of funds from Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, which is scheduled to open in 2026.