Virginia gaming landscape continues to ‘evolve’ via second casino approval

The Virginia Lottery Board has approved the application for Rivers Casino Portsmouth to become the second casino facility operator in the state.

The Virginia Lottery Board has approved the application for Rivers Casino Portsmouth to become the second casino facility operator in the state. 

Joining the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which received its licence in April 2022 and subsequently opened the doors of its temporary facility in July 2022, Rivers Portsmouth Gaming received approval for licensure by a 7-0 vote. 

“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,” stated Virginia Lottery Board’s Chair, Ferhan Hamid

“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.”

The approval comes after a comprehensive review of application materials submitted by Rivers Portsmouth Gaming and an extensive background investigation by the Virginia Lottery.

Under legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2020, the Virginia Lottery licences and regulates casinos and sports betting in the Commonwealth.

The Lottery continues to review application materials for two more proposed casinos in Danville and Norfolk. All four were approved by voters in local referendums in November 2020.

“The Lottery’s Gaming Compliance Department and legal counsel assisted in today’s decision by conducting investigations and background checks on the applicants,” added Virginia Lottery’s Executive Director, Kelly Gee

“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.”