Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Virginia Opening January 2023
Posted on: November 21, 2022, 11:53h.
Last updated on: November 21, 2022, 12:33h.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth plans to make history in Virginia by opening the state’s first permanent casino on Jan. 15, 2023.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a $340 million undertaking from Rush Street Gaming, a Chicago-based gaming operator that runs casinos in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, and soon Virginia.
The Virginia Lottery Board last week issued Rivers Portsmouth its operating license. The issuance cleared the way for the forthcoming casino resort to open near Tidewater Community College’s Portsmouth Campus just south of I-264 between Missy Elliott and Victory boulevards.
Rush Street confirmed Monday morning that Rivers Portsmouth will hold its grand opening on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at 3 p.m EST.
https://twitter.com/RiversCasinoVA/status/1594709755074854912
First to Market
Virginia lawmakers and then-Gov. Ralph Northam (D) legalized commercial gambling in 2020, but only in five designated cities. The gaming bill was designed to assist economically deficient cities by allowing them to authorize a single casino resort to spur job creation, regional economic activity, and create a new tax benefit.
Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville, and Bristol were the five qualifying cities. Four of the designated locations subsequently gained local approval from voters through ballot referendums. Only Richmond voters opted to forego the gaming privilege.
Virginia’s gaming bill allowed each approved casino to open a temporary casino during the construction of the permanent resort. Hard Rock opened its temporary gaming space this past July. Temporary casinos are also in the plans in Norfolk and Danville.
Rivers chose to bypass constructing a temporary casino in favor of focusing its efforts on the permanent resort. Rush Street broke ground on Rivers Casino Portsmouth in December 2021. Less than a year later, the property is nearing completion and will open its doors in just 55 days.
Property Specifics
Rivers Casino Portsmouth will become Virginia’s first permanent casino to welcome guests in the state’s history.
Hard Rock Bristol, a $400 million project, is targeting a summer 2024 opening. HeadWaters Resort & Casino in Norfolk, a $500 million build from the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and billionaire Jon Yarbrough, also won’t open before 2024. Caesars Entertainment’s $650 million investment in Danville isn’t expected to be ready before 2024, either.
But come January, Rivers Casino Portsmouth will greet patrons with 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games, and a 24-table poker room. The resort will feature 10 restaurants and bars, plus a 25,000-square-foot convention center that will be customizable for an array of events and entertainment.
In the coming weeks, we’ll remain laser-focused on continued hiring and training efforts — ensuring our team is ready to deliver a first-rate customer experience when our doors open in January,” said Rivers Casino Portsmouth General Manager Roy Corby.
Rivers says its Portsmouth workforce will total approximately 1,300 team members for the January 2023 opening. Rivers won’t open with an on-site hotel. But Rush says one could be added at a later time.
The Hampton Roads area is already home to numerous hotels. And with Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s close proximity to the Tidewater campus, lodging shouldn’t be an issue for casino guests looking to stay overnight.
Numerous hotels are within five miles of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, including a Hampton Inn, Day’s Inn, Renaissance, Candlewood Suites, and Quality Inn.
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Last Comments ( 5 )
why do you allow smoking inside
I will be glad when you will open in Portsmouth, Va. I know when a Casino opens on 1st day they always give free play or a tee-shirt, but, I might not be looking at the right place, but I will be seeing you the first day. I have ever since I was 21 wanted to work at a Casino in the Player Club, hey I might have a chance now. See you all Tomorrow
Oops I forgot my wife Chanel gray which who is also a member loves the idea we don’t have to travel to Pittsburge every time we want go , I need a transfer
Thank ull for bringing it in the tidewater area I am a member in Pittsburge pa. But I live in Norfolk va , and it’s a wonderful thing for this area see ull soon
Ready for opening.