Hard Rock Bristol Casino Workers Vote ‘Yes’ to Union in Virginia
Posted on: June 2, 2026, 01:04h.
Last updated on: June 2, 2026, 01:04h.
- Workers at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have voted to unionize
- The casino’s workforce is partnering with Teamsters Local Union 519
More than 200 workers at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have voted to unionize.
Over the weekend, Teamsters Local Union 519 said a vote was conducted to determine if the Hard Rock workforce supported joining the trade group. Based in Knoxville, the union covers East Tennessee and parts of Southwest Virginia.
A Teamsters statement said the Hard Rock vote came back in favor of organizing.
Their goal was to gain a more powerful voice to help advocate for better wages, benefits, and job security. Hard Rock’s record profits should account for its employees, who are the ones making it all possible on a daily basis,” the union release said.
The permanent Hard Rock Bristol casino resort opened in November 2024. The casino houses 1,400 slot machines, 75 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook. The hotel has 303 guestrooms and suites.
Hard Rock Revenue
Hard Rock Bristol was a $500 million project from Hard Rock International, the gaming and hospitality conglomerate owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Seminoles partnered with local businessmen Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, the two men credited for convincing state lawmakers to legalize commercial casino gambling in 2020.
The bet on Bristol has paid off. The temporary casino generated $158.4 million in 2023, Hard Rock’s first full year operating in Virginia. Annual gross gaming revenue climbed to $162.1 million in 2024 and to $252.1 million last year. Through April, GGR totaled $86 million, outpacing the prior year.
Bristol is benefiting from Hard Rock’s success. While the four other casinos in Virginia share 6% of their monthly gaming revenue with their host cities, Hard Rock, McGlothlin, and Stacey agreed to send 7% to Bristol.
Each month, the Bristol Regional Improvement Commission (RIC) receives 7% of the casino’s gross gaming revenue. The Commission has collected more than $46 million since Hard Rock opened the temporary casino in July 2022.
The RIC is required to use the casino funds for projects related to public safety, education, transportation, and infrastructure.
Hard Rock Union
The Teamsters suggested in their release on the Hard Rock Bristol vote that management at the casino hotel sought to influence the outcome.
“Despite the legal run-around with attorneys and union-busting consultants, these workers knew what Hard Rock was doing and understood the consequences of inaction. These hard-working individuals questioned why they should have to quit and leave their jobs in order to improve their working conditions and benefits. Instead, they chose to fight back and defend their rights as working-class citizens. They believe everyone deserves to improve the rules and expectations of their workplace,” the Teamsters said.
Hard Rock responded to those claims by saying the casino supports its team members.
“Our focus remains on supporting our team members and respecting their rights,” said Allie Evangelista, Hard Rock Bristol president. “We are working to confirm details. We’ll share updates, if appropriate.”
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