'We are starting to see some of the impact that the gaming taxes does,' said Evangelista. The casino itself, welcoming 1.2 million guests, and also seeing benefits.

'We are not from the state, saying hey, you have to fund this, you have to fund that, here's your options to make your funding recommendations.' 'We leave it up to that particular county,' added Kilgore. That funding can then be used for certain designated purposes, like education, public safety and infrastructure. With $18.8 million in tax revenue generated that the Regional Improvement Commission will distribute to 14 Southwest Virginia localities, comprising VDOT's Bristol Transportation District. 'To invest in our school system, support our teachers, to support our first responders.' 'We are able to turn and reinvest that into stuff we need to as a city,' said Anthony Farnum, a Bristol, Virginia City Council member. Since the casino opened, $1.3 million in tax revenue has been generated for Bristol, Virginia. 'It was much better than anyone thought it would be.' 'We are really excited about the numbers,' said Del. While casino leaders are grateful for community support, Bristol, Virginia, and Southwest Virginia as a whole, are also seeing benefits. That has been the best part of the job so far.' 'It's been very nice, the community here has been supportive and loyal to us. 'The feedback has been the best in my entire career, obviously, I hear a lot from my team members whom I spend the most time with,' said Allie Evangelista, Bristol Casino: Future Home of Hard Rock, President. Opening day brought excitement to the community, and promises of renewed economic growth to the area. (WCYB) - July 8 marks one-year since the Bristol Casino: Future Home of Hard Rock opened its doors to the public.

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