Despite officials’ initial optimism about the possibility of temporary gaming at a makeshift Bristol casino before the end of the year, it now appears unlikely to occur in 2021.
In the month of November, citizens residing in Bristol, a city on the border of Virginia and Tennessee, decisively voted in favor of casino gaming.
The approval of Hard Rock Bristol Hotel and Casino has given the go-ahead for a prominent opportunity. With an investment of $400 million, this casino, resort, and hotel complex have the potential to become a significant attraction for tourism in the area.
Hard Rock officials announced their optimistic plans to open a temporary casino before the year ends, which would be followed by the formal casino-resort. This would provide the Bristol region with its first experience of casino gaming in Virginia.
However, the initial timeline now seems improbable.
VA Lottery: We can’t rush temporary gaming
Lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly granted operators the opportunity to commence gambling activities at temporary facilities initially, when they legalized casino gambling.
Officials from Hard Rock Bristol wasted no time in announcing their plans to launch ahead of schedule.
The original intention was for the temporary Bristol casino to function as a practical training ground for newly hired staff. Hard Rock had plans to establish the temporary casino at the former Bristol Mall, with the ultimate goal of transforming the site into a complete resort.
Nevertheless, the company’s aspirations for a potential late-2021 opening were dampened when Executive Director Kevin Hall expressed skepticism during a recent Virginia Lottery Board meeting.
We have been informed that one of the casino operators has shown interest in potentially establishing temporary gaming. They have even publicly mentioned the possibility of temporary gaming starting as early as December this year. However, I want to emphasize that considering all the necessary steps that need to be taken before then, we strongly believe that temporary gaming in December is highly unlikely. It is extremely improbable, almost impossible. I hope this clarifies our standpoint.
Why a temporary Bristol casino will have to wait
Hall believed that the proposed timeline for the temporary Bristol casino was excessively rushed.
“According to him, substantial research is necessary for even temporary venues. Despite being makeshift, they should possess the same level of security measures as established casino locations. This entails scrutinizing suppliers, vendors, and conducting background checks for employees.”
Hall explained that temporary facilities must meet the same requirements as permanent casinos, including the implementation of comprehensive surveillance and financial accounting systems. He emphasized that every slot machine, even in a temporary facility, must be connected to a central monitoring system.
News Channel 11 was informed by local businesses that they are disheartened by the recent announcement. Their expectations were set on a temporary casino that could potentially attract tourism revenue, especially crucial due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Hall proposed that the temporary Bristol casino is more likely to be available in early 2022. Subsequently, the fully operational Hard Rock Bristol is anticipated to commence business later in the same year.
In February, the preliminary casino regulations were approved by the VA Lottery Board. The lotto staff is anticipated to present the board with permanent casino regulations in July.
According to Hall, the license application process for Hard Rock and other Virginia casinos will open in just a few weeks.
He stated that as the regulator, they are simultaneously constructing this airplane while operating it. They hold a legal and regulatory responsibility to ensure that casino gaming, whether in a temporary or permanent establishment, is conducted correctly and with proper supervision, licensing, security, and auditing measures. They emphasize that as the regulator, they will not be cutting any corners.
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