Rush Street Gaming has elaborated on its commitment to the development of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, after naming The Miles Agency to lead its public relations and community engagement throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The company was selected as Portsmouth’s developer and preferred gaming operator for the upcoming facility in November, as a number of gaming establishment were given the green-light following voter referendums.
The decision to allow casino gaming was also made in three other Virginia cities, with Norfolk, Bristol and Danville giving the nod. Operating partners on those developments will be the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Hard Rock International and Caesars Entertainment, respectively.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth, a $300m local investment, will anchor the all-new Entertainment District planned for Victory Boulevard, and will bring 1,300 permanent jobs and 1,400 temporary construction jobs to the region.
The property is projected to generate more than $16m in new annual tax revenues for Portsmouth, with plans including a hotel, indoor and outdoor concert venues, conference space, multiple restaurants and more. Rivers Casino’s gaming floor will feature a variety of slots, table games, a poker room and a BetRivers Sportsbook.
“We’re grateful to Portsmouth voters for approving our casino plans last November,” said Jacob Oberman, senior vice president of development for Rush Street Gaming.
“Collaboration with our host community is a hallmark of Rush Street’s development philosophy. The Miles Agency shares our commitment to proactive, transparent communications to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.”
The Miles Agency is a marketing and public relations firm based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and boasts 30-plus years of servicing a diverse roster of public and private clients—among them is the United States Navy, City of Portsmouth, Hampton Roads Transit, Coca-Cola, Pizza Hut, Virginia Power, Hampton University and more.
“Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a welcome addition to our region and to our client roster,” said Delceno Miles, president and CEO of The Miles Agency. “Our team appreciates and values Rush Street’s community-minded approach. The positive impact of this project will be transformative for the region, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”
Rush Street Gaming is currently pursuing a casino operator’s license from the Virginia Lottery Board and expects to break ground upon approval.
Grand opening will occur approximately two years from the start of construction. Rivers Casino Portsmouth is also pursuing an online sports betting license from the VLB.
