Bristol Virginia Casino Developments 2026
Bristol, Virginia continues its push for a casino resort near the Tennessee border. City officials and developers are finalizing site plans and traffic studies ahead of a possible 2027 opening.
The proposed venue would include 1,200 slots, 50 table games, and a 400-room hotel. Local leaders expect the project to create 1,500 permanent jobs and generate new tax revenue for regional infrastructure.
Project Timeline
Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2026 pending final state approvals. Construction is expected to last 18 months, with a soft opening targeted for early 2028.
- Site permits submitted Q2 2026
- Construction start late 2026
- Soft opening early 2028
Proposed Gaming Floor
live tables, and a 10-table poker room.
Plans call for 1,200 slots, 40 live tables, and a 10-table poker room. A sportsbook is also under discussion following recent Virginia legislation.
- 1,200 slot machines
- 40 table games
- 10-table poker room
Economic Impact
Developers project $400 million in annual
revenue and 1,500 new jobs. The city
Developers project $400 million in annual revenue and 1,500 new jobs. The city anticipates increased tourism and hotel occupancy in downtown Bristol.
- $400 million projected revenue
- 1,500 new jobs
- Increased tourism traffic
Community Concerns
Residents have raised questions about traffic,
crime rates, and problem gambling. The city
Residents have raised questions about traffic, crime rates, and problem gambling. The city plans to fund additional police patrols and problem-gambling programs with casino tax revenue.
- Traffic mitigation plans
- Increased police presence
- Problem-gambling support funding