This marks the strongest month since the first legal casino opened in 2022. The total, reported by the Virginia Lottery reflects wagers minus winnings paid out to players and shows that the state’s gaming market continues to grow as each venue finds its footing.
AGR drives state and local tax revenue, supporting education, local projects, and gambling treatment programs.
Strong Performance Across Casinos
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol led the month with $23.02 million in AGR, up 9.4 percent from April and about 8 percent above its previous high in March. Slot machines generated $18.74 million, while table games added $4.28 million, each setting new records for the Bristol property.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth followed, posting $28.30 million in May AGR. This was a slight gain over its March performance and continued steady growth for Virginia’s first permanent casino. Caesars Virginia, the newest of the three, recorded $34.05 million in AGR.
Although that was about 5 percent lower than its March peak, it remains the highest earner among the three venues.
Growth and Future Outlook
May’s total jumped roughly 8.4 percent from April’s $78.76 million, highlighting a continued upward trend in player activity and market maturity. April’s figures had dipped slightly from March, but May’s rebound underscores the resilience of Virginia’s gaming industry.
Looking ahead, analysts expect revenue to stay strong as new marketing efforts roll out and sports betting partnerships expand. While land-based Virginia casinos account for the majority of AGR, sports wagering—primarily through mobile apps—offers a growing revenue stream.
As more data becomes available, Virginia’s gaming landscape is likely to see further gains, with communities across the state benefiting from the tax proceeds.
