Rivers Casino Portsmouth Celebrates Grand Opening on Jan. 23, 2023
Portsmouth, VA, January 23, 2023 - Rivers Casino Portsmouth celebrated its grand opening today—making history as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s first full-service permanent casino. The event kicked off with a special performance by Norfolk State University’s “Spartan Legion” Marching Band. The local musical ensemble recently appeared in the 2023 New Year’s Rose Parade.
The morning 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, 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 Tim 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 Virginia Lottery.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth also announced a donation to three local charity partners from proceeds during gaming floor test events on January 19 and 21. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters; USO Hampton Roads and Central Virginia; and Wesley Community Service Center each received $170,000 — representing a $510,000 total contribution from the casino.
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 experience the casino’s 1,446 slot machines, 57 table games, 24 poker tables and myriad onsite dining and entertainment options. Among several new restaurants are Admiral’s Steak & Seafood for high-end dining; plus, casual fare at Crossings Café, Mian, Slice Pizzeria, Starbucks; and opening later this year, Yard House — offering the world’s largest selection of draft beer.
More About Rush Street Gaming
Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s estimated annual payroll will be $62 million with a Portsmouth First commitment to build a diverse workforce and to hire locally. Without exception, all Rush Street casinos have been voted a “Top Workplace” by their Team Members.
In July 2020, The Virginia Lottery Board pre-certified Rush Street Gaming to operate a casino in Virginia. With the referendum now approved by residents, application for licensing is the next step. Rush Street anticipates opening within two years of receiving a gaming license from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“We thank the residents of Portsmouth, the City of Portsmouth, and the Portsmouth Economic Development team for their support,” said Neil Bluhm, chairman of Rush Street Gaming. “We’re eager to get construction underway, so this strong economic engine for the Commonwealth and the local community can start producing benefits.”
Rush Street Gaming is one of the fastest-growing gaming and entertainment companies in America. Through its affiliates, Rush Street owns and operates market-leading casinos in Des Plaines, Illinois (Chicago area); Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Schenectady, New York. Rush Street and its affiliates also developed the Fallsview Casino & Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in close partnership with the Province; and Riverwalk Casino & Resort in Vicksburg, Mississippi, which was acquired by Churchill Downs in 2012.