Operator News
US – Virginia Lottery Board grants licence to Rivers Casino Portsmouth
By Phil - 18 November 2022
The Virginia Lottery Board has given its seal of approval for a casino licence to be awarded to Rivers Casino Portsmouth with an opening expected in early 2023.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth plans to open its $340m casino with 1,448 slots, 57 table games, 24 poker tables, five restaurants/bars and banquet and event space. It will also feature a BetRivers Sportsbook, with multiple high-definition screens airing multiple games, including basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and ping-pong. Rivers Casino Portsmouth started construction in December 2021, with Virginia Beach-based S.B. Ballard Construction Co. and Philadelphia-based Yates Construction.
Virginia Lottery executive director Kelly T. Gee said: “The lottery’s gaming compliance department and legal counsel assisted in today’s decision by conducting investigations and background checks on the applicants. The lottery works with all casino applicants, their vendors and employees to make sure all aspects of the operation are in strict compliance with Virginia law.”
Board chairman Ferhan Hamid added: “The gaming landscape in Virginia continues to evolve and the Lottery Board is committed to ensuring that casinos in the commonwealth are operated responsibly, fairly and with the utmost integrity. While not all Virginians will choose to visit these facilities, all of our citizens need to be confident that they are regulated with the very highest standards.”
Rush Street will hire 1,300 permanent employees with 800 positions currently filled.
General Manager Roy Corby said: “Our Rivers Casino Portsmouth team is grateful to the Virginia Lottery Board for their thoughtful and thorough consideration. We look forward to sharing the timing and details of our early 2023 grand opening with the Hampton Roads community very soon.”
In July, the casino opened a 2,317-square-foot office in a coworking space on High Street in Olde Towne to house multiple administrative departments and assist with recruitment.
