Game On: Bristol Casino gets regulatory OK from state lottery officials with license approval
UPDATE, 2:45 p.m. EST
Here is a statement issued by Hard Rock International Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas:
“We are excited by the VA Lottery Board’s action today granting a license to open Virginia’s first casino in Bristol subject to the completion of outstanding operational activities. We appreciate the VA Lottery’s assistance and diligence in working closely with our team over many months to reach today’s important milestone for Bristol, Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth. ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock,’ a temporary full-service casino, will open on Friday, July 8, 2022. The project will bring 600 jobs to Bristol and will feature 30,000 square feet of casino space, with 870 gaming slots, 21 tables and a sportsbook for a variety of gaming options.”
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A Bristol Virginia investment group and Hard Rock International have been granted a license by the Lottery Executive Board that allows the parties to open a temporary casino this summer.
The agreement comes after months of regulatory review, background checks, and other steps were completed to put the project based in the former Bristol Mall on Gate City Highway on the verge of becoming Virginia’s first operating casino on July 8th.
The facility will offer a sportsbook, 30,000 square feet of game offerings, and provide 600 jobs to the community.
Here is the official statement issued by the Virginia Lottery:
Following a comprehensive review of application materials and an extensive background investigation and a 7-0 vote, the Virginia Lottery Board today issued to Hard Rock Bristol a facility operator’s license to operate Virginia’s first casino.
“Since enacted by the 2020 General Assembly, the Board’s priority for casino gaming in the Commonwealth is that it be conducted with integrity and in a responsible manner,” said Board Chairman Ferhan Hamid. “Today’s approval reflects the confidence we have in the rigorous and conscientious review conducted by Virginia Lottery staff.”
“The Virginia Lottery has worked diligently for two years to build the appropriate regulatory structure for casino gaming,” added Acting Executive Director Kelly T. Gee. “I am proud of the tireless work by our Gaming Compliance Department and our legal counsel for conducting the necessary investigative work to assist the Board in its decision. There are still many steps to the finish line, but there is no doubt that this is an exciting time.”
The Lottery’s Gaming Compliance Department will continue to work closely with Hard Rock Bristol as it prepares to open a temporary facility on the site of the former Bristol Mall in early July.
“We will be on-site at the casino over the next couple of months observing the receipt of gaming equipment, reviewing internal controls, and ensuring full compliance with the regulations,” said Virginia Lottery Deputy Executive Director of Gaming Compliance Gina M. Smith.
Also today, the Board voted to amend its regulations to include casinos in the Voluntary Exclusion Program operated by the Virginia Lottery.
The Lottery continues to review application materials for three more proposed casinos in Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each was approved by voters in local referenda in November 2020.
Casino and sports betting regulations, information and approvals can be viewed at www.vagamingregulations.com, a microsite providing key information and public transparency on issues around expanded gaming.
(IMAGE: Hard Rock International / Bristol Broadcasting Co News Archive)
