The Hard Rock Bristol Casino Extends Temporary Gambling Area Within Ex-Mall Premises
Hard Rock in Bristol, nicknamed Virginia's "first casino," has increased its short-term gambling area within the ex-Bristol Mall by adding more slot machines and blackjack tables with reduced entry thresholds.
Back in 2020, Bristol was amongst the five cities permitted by Virginia lawmakers to consider approving a casino development via a local referendum. That same year, the residents of Bristol greenlighted a resort project by Hard Rock International. Over 70% of voters were in favor of the casino.
In recent times, Hard Rock commenced construction on the $400 million enduring resort adjacent to the old mall. The 2020 Virginia gaming statutes allow temporary casino development at authorized casino resort locations while they're under construction.
Hard Rock officially inaugurated its temporary casino in the place that once housed a Belk department store in July 2022. This week, the property unveiled around 30 new slots on the casino ground.
The casino also introduced the "Party Pit," located next to the bar and sports lounge. This room includes four blackjack tables with $15 minimum limits. Common minimums at other tables usually total $25.
"We are ecstatic to provide our guests with more slot machines and table games," said Allie Evangelista, Hard Rock Bristol's president. "These additions make the casino home to 890 slots and 29 tables, accompanied by our sportsbook."
Evangelista informed how Hard Rock's new slot selection includes Dragon Link terminals and machines from Japanese gaming manufacturer Sega Sammy. Some Sega Sammy slot games are Resident Evil: Vendetta, Egyptian Magic, and Dragon Power.
Bristol Casino Income
Since its beginning in July 2022, Hard Rock Bristol has raked in substantial revenue.
Hard Rock Bristol Gross Gaming Revenue (In Millions)
- July — $11.7M
- August — $14.2M
- September — $14.3M
- October — $14.1M
- November — $12.6M
- December — $14.9M
- January — $13.4M
- February — $13.7M
Hard Rock Bristol is no longer Virginia's sole legal casino after Rivers Casino Portsmouth launched on January 23. The two casinos likely won't have much overlap in their clientele as Rivers is over 300 miles away from Bristol.
Summer 2024 Estimated Opening
Hard Rock anticipates late summer 2024 to mark the debut of the permanent resort and casino in Bristol.
The project's $400 million expenditure will result in a gaming space of 90,000 sq ft, catering to 2,700 slot machines and 100 table games. The complex will feature an on-site sportsbook too. It's slated to include two hotel towers accommodating 300 visitors and suites. Five dining establishments and four bars will cater to guests' varied culinary preferences.
Hard Rock's vision of paying reverence to its rock 'n' roll roots includes a 3,200-seat concert venue and a 20,000-person-capacity outdoor amphitheater.
In anticipation of its permanent resort's opening, Hard Rock aims to recruit up to 1,500 additional workers. Evangelista asserted that finding employees currently remains a challenge.
"Although it's 2023, and COVID was primarily in 2020, people are still experiencing exceptional difficulties in recruitment," Evangelista commented last month. "I think every firm has this fear: will I be able to secure the workforce necessary for my growth and expansion?"
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