After a comprehensive review of the application data, extensive background checks and a 7-0 vote, the Virginia Lottery Board today issued a facility operator's license to run Virginia's first casino in Hard Rock Bristol.
"Since it was established by the General Assembly in 2020, the Board's priority on casino gaming in the Commonwealth has been to be conducted in a sincere and responsible manner," said Perhan Hamid, Chairman of the Board. "Today's approval reflects our confidence in the rigorous and conscientious review conducted by Virginia Lottery staff."
"Virginia Lotto has been working diligently for two years to create an appropriate regulatory structure for casino games," added acting executive director Kelly T. Gee. "I am proud of the tireless work of our game compliance department and legal counsel who carried out the necessary investigations to help the committee decide. There are still many stages to the finish line, but there is no doubt that this is an exciting time."
Lottery's Game Compliance Division will continue to work closely with Hard Rock Bristol as it prepares to open a temporary facility on the former Bristol Mall site in early July.
"We will monitor the receipt of gaming equipment at casinos over the next few months, review internal controls, and ensure full compliance," said Gina M. Smith, Virginia Lotto's deputy director of gaming compliance.
Also today, the board voted to amend its regulations to include casinos in the voluntary exclusion program run by the Virginia Lottery.
The lottery continues to review applications for three additional casinos proposed in Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth. Each was approved by voters in the November 2020 local referendum.
Casino and sports betting regulations, information, and approvals can be found on vaping regulations, a microsite that provides key information and public transparency on extended game-related issues.