Like any large development, increased crime is a concern. There is considerable debate on the effect of casinos on crime and the empirical evidence to date is generally inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. When controlled for visiting population, researchers have been unable to find a determinant link between casino developments and most types of crime. There may be a causal link between large developments where alcohol is served and increased opportunities for drunk driving.
In 2019, the Virginia General Assembly commissioned a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to explore the possible impacts of Casino developments in Virginia. JLARC produced a significant literature review of problem gambling and gambling's impact on crime. JLARC found inconclusive evidence supporting a unique causal link between casinos and increased crime. Read the literature review below and JLARC conclusions here:
JLARC Literature Review 2019 JLARC Crime Overview
Although there appears to be no special relationship between casinos and crime, more people within a specific area will likely lead to a modest increase in crime.
Whether Winchester explores a casino concept, a new concert venue, or even a new grocery store, crime will increase when large groups of people converge on a single location. In CY25, the Bristol Police Department received more service calls to their local Walmart than the Hard Rock Casino. In September 2025, City officials in Danville indicated that Caesars Virginia received 83 reported incidents at the resort in its first seven months of operations. Within the same period the resort welcomed 980,000 guests. The Winchester EDA strongly advocates for investments in public safety if citizens were to approve a development of this type.
Last updated 12/16/25