A new casino has officially started taking bets in the state of Virginia.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth celebrated its grand opening, making history as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s “first full-service permanent” casino, according to an announcement.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Roy Corby, general manager of Rivers Casino Portsmouth; Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth; Brian Donahue, director of Portsmouth Economic Development; Kelly T. Gee, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, and Tim Drehkoff, chief executive officer of Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rush Street Gaming.
“We’re excited to join such a vibrant community and to unveil this beautiful entertainment venue for all to enjoy,” said Drehkoff, CEO of Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rush Street Gaming. “We’re grateful to the community and to our team members for their support, and we’re looking forward to launching this strong economic engine for the region.”
At the ceremony, Rivers Casino Portsmouth was presented with its official casino operator’s license by Gina Smith, deputy director of gaming compliance at the Virginia Lottery.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened its doors to the public at approximately 10 a.m. on January 23, and guests in attendance were among the first to see the casino’s 1,446 slot machines, 57 table games, and 24 poker tables. It’s one of the largest poker rooms in the region.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a $340 million local investment—located along Victory Boulevard, south of I-264. As part of Portsmouth’s New Entertainment District, the complex currently features a full-service casino, poker room, BetRivers Sportsbook, event and conference venues, and premier restaurants, among other amenities.
Virginia has a graduated tax on casino revenue, requiring operators to pay 18 percent on their first $200 million, 23 percent on revenues between $200 million and $400 million, and 30 percent on any revenues of more than $400 million.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth is the latest addition to Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, one of the country’s fastest-growing casino and entertainment companies.
Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates have developed and operate casinos in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Des Plaines, Illinois; and Schenectady, New York.
