Temporary gaming unlikely in Virginia before April 2022, lottery director says
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BRISTOL — No temporary casino is likely to operate in Virginia before April 2022, according to Kevin Hall, executive director of the Virginia Lottery.
Backers of the planned Hard Rock Bristol Hotel & Casino have expressed their intent to host a temporary gaming site in part of the Bristol Mall — possibly as soon as late next year — while much of the planned $400 million makeover occurs elsewhere on the property.
Speaking last week via Zoom before members of the Virginia House Appropriations Committee, Hall said lottery attorneys are currently developing casino gaming regulations that are expected to be finalized next April.
“We think it is highly unlikely that even an operator seeking a temporary permit would actually be operating casino gaming until April 2022 at the earliest,” Hall said in response to a question by Del. Will Morefield, R-N. Tazewell.
Casino legislation includes a provision for a temporary operation but only after an applicant has been licensed and all background checks completed, Hall said.
Voters in Bristol and three other Virginia cities earlier this month approved casino gaming, and the Bristol casino, hotel and resort are expected to open in late 2022.
Speaking with reporters on Election Day, Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen said a temporary operation is being considered.
