In Virginia, the public has easy access to detailed information about casino operations and their financial contributions. Each month, the Virginia Lottery releases data regarding gambling activities at the state’s three casinos—Hard Rock Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia—as well as sports betting reports. This transparency allows residents to understand not only the gaming revenue but also the tax contributions made by these establishments.
The Virginia Lottery serves as the regulatory body overseeing casino gambling and sports betting in the state. Around mid-month, it publishes a comprehensive report detailing the previous month's performance of all three casinos. These documents are accessible via the lottery’s website under the "winners & news" section or through email subscriptions for those interested in staying updated.
For instance, February saw an impressive total adjusted gaming revenue of $75.17 million across the three casinos. Breaking this down further, Caesars contributed significantly with $31.14 million, followed by Rivers Casino at $24.28 million, and Hard Rock Bristol adding $19.74 million. Additionally, the report provides insights into the number of gaming machines and the specific earnings from slots versus table games.
Taxation is another critical aspect highlighted in the monthly disclosures. In February alone, the trio of casinos remitted $13.53 million in taxes, distributed among them as follows: $5.6 million from Caesars, $4.3 million from Rivers Casino, and $3.5 million from Hard Rock Bristol. Furthermore, the report specifies how much revenue returns to the host localities for the Portsmouth and Danville casinos. Notably, the Bristol casino shares its proceeds among 14 regions, ensuring that far Southwest Virginia benefits collectively from the tax income generated. The Regional Improvement Commission manages this distribution annually.
This structured reporting system underscores Virginia's commitment to openness concerning casino finances. By providing such granular details, the state empowers its citizens with knowledge about both the economic impact and fiscal contributions of its gaming industry.