Rush Street Gaming has disclosed the latest addition to its land-based network after Virginia’s Rivers Casino Portsmouth celebrated its grand opening.
After long being hailed as a “transformational economic development” by the group, this debut represents history being made in welcoming the commonwealth’s first full-service permanent casino.
This comes after a December confirmation by Hard Rock International that a long-awaited groundbreaking of a permanent casino facility in the Virginian city of Bristol had begun, five months after a temporary venue began welcoming guests.
A Rush Street ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Monday 23 January opening featured remarks from Roy Corby, General Manager of Rivers Casino Portsmouth; Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth; Brian Donahue, Director of Portsmouth Economic Development; Kelly Gee, Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery; and Tim Drehkoff, Chief Executive Officer of Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rush Street Gaming.
At the ceremony, Rivers Casino Portsmouth was presented with its official casino operator’s license by Gina Smith, Deputy Director of Gaming Compliance at Virginia Lottery.
“We’re excited to join such a vibrant community and to unveil this beautiful entertainment venue for all to enjoy,” said Drehkoff.
“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.”
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened its doors to the public at approximately 10 am on January 23, with guests able to access the casino’s 1,446 slot machines, 57 table games, 24 poker tables and array of onsite dining and entertainment options.
In addition to several food and beverage outlets, patrons can take advantage of live and virtual entertainment, Topgolf Swing suite and BetRivers Sportsbook that saw Mayor Glover, Senator L Louise Lucas and House Minority Leader Don Scott place the ceremonial first wagers. The space features club seating, a bar, betting windows, 27 self-service kiosks and multiple high definition screens.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s Rush Reward Players Club is now open for guests to enroll onsite, with the loyalty program allowing gamers to enjoy prizes such as free play, amenity and food comps and more.
Furthermore, benefits may also be enjoyed at other Rush Street Gaming properties including Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Rivers Casino Des Plaines in the Chicago area, and Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady in Upstate New York.
“We’re here to serve the community, our guests, and our Team Members,” added Corby. “We’ll accomplish that mission by creating a stellar guest experience and becoming the entertainment destination of choice for Portsmouth, Hampton Roads, and visitors to our area.”
To coincide with the opening, Rivers Casino Portsmouth also announced a donation to three local charity partners from proceeds during gaming floor test events on January 19 and 21.
This saw the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters; USO Hampton Roads and Central Virginia; and Wesley Community Service Center each receive $170,000.
