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Bristol, Tenn. (WJHL) — As NASCAR returns to Bristol Motor Speedway this week, it will mark the first race week since the temporary casino opened in Bristol.
As fans flock to the highway, casinos offer more entertainment options for those visiting from out of town.
“We have slot machines and table games. We are a non-smoking facility. People can play craps and roulette,” said Allie Evangelista, president of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol.
Casino Bristol is located in the former Bristol Mall, just across the state line in Bristol, Virginia. This will be the future home of the Hard Rock Hotel and Bristol Casino.
Circuit officials said the casino added a new dimension to the weekend racing experience.
“One of the things we’ve been missing is something fun like this,” said Chipper Harvey, vice president of sales at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Hard Rock’s mobile sports betting app, called Hard Rock Sportsbook, is now live in both regions Tennessee and Virginia. Even betting on the highway is possible via the app.
“Whether they’re in Tennessee or Virginia, they can place a bet on the game, or they can come to a hotel, eat, experience some live music and place a bet on our retail sportsbook,” Evangelista said.
Harvey said sports betting could be a game-changer for the track, offering fans plenty of options.
“What’s the warning next? How many laps is someone going to lead? There are so many pass bets for you to gamble on,” Harvey said.
Casinos also have great potential to attract out-of-town racing fans. Of the fall race ticket holders, 60 percent came from more than four hours away.
Soon, fans will have a chance to stay, not just race.
“In the future, when we have permanent facilities, people will increase their stay, spending time at the Bristol Casino and then at the Hard Rock Hotel,” Evangelista said.
Hard Rock will have a booth midway through the track with prizes and more information.
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