Virginia’s casino industry started 2025 on a high note, posting a significant 36% increase in revenues compared to the same month last year. The three land-based casinos in the state pulled in a combined $72.3 million in January, a sharp jump from the $52.8 million recorded in January 2024, according to the latest Virginia Lottery report.
Caesars Virginia Leads with Massive Growth
Caesars Virginia had a breakthrough month, thanks to its first full month of operation at its permanent Danville site. The casino led the pack with an impressive $28.5 million in adjusted gaming revenue (AGR), marking a staggering 65.7% year-over-year increase.
- Slot machines contributed the bulk of the revenue, generating $21.1 million from 1,479 units, a remarkable 73.2% surge from the previous year.
- Table games weren’t far behind, raking in $7.1 million—an increase of 46.6% over January 2024.
The numbers show that Caesars Virginia is quickly establishing itself as a dominant force in the state’s gaming market.
Hard Rock Bristol Follows with Strong Gains
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol also had a stellar performance, recording a 53.3% increase in AGR compared to last year. Both slot and table game revenues played an equal role in this growth.
- Slot revenue rose 52.9%, increasing from $9.9 million in January 2024 to $15.1 million in January 2025.
- Table games saw a 54.9% increase, reaching $3.3 million.
These numbers suggest that the casino is continuing to build momentum as more players engage with its gaming offerings.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth Sees Modest Growth
While Rivers Casino Portsmouth didn’t match the explosive growth of its competitors, it still posted a solid 7.2% increase in AGR. The casino collected $25.2 million in January, showing steady performance despite being the most established venue among the three.
This more modest growth could indicate that Portsmouth’s market is reaching maturity, with fewer dramatic year-over-year shifts compared to newer entrants like Caesars Virginia.
State and Local Governments Reap the Benefits
Virginia’s tax coffers benefited significantly from the strong casino performance. The Virginia Lottery collected over $13 million in taxes from gaming revenues, distributing funds across several key areas:
- More than $100,000 was allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund.
- The Family and Children’s Trust Fund received $26,000.
- Host cities took in more than $4.3 million.
- The Gaming Proceeds Fund was the biggest recipient, collecting $8.5 million.
This tax revenue underscores the growing importance of casinos in Virginia’s economy, providing financial support for public services and local communities.
Future Expansion Hinges on Legislative Decisions
Virginia’s casino landscape could shift even further in the coming years, depending on political developments. A bill that would allow Fairfax County to be added as a casino location was recently proposed, but it was tabled by the House, delaying any immediate expansion efforts.
If lawmakers revisit the proposal in the future, Northern Virginia could become a new hotspot for gaming, potentially reshaping the state’s casino market once again.
