Rush Street Gaming has held an official groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction of its £300m Rivers Casino Portsmouth complex.
The project, which represents the group’s seventh ground-up casino development, will feature a casino, BetRivers Sportsbook, array of restaurants, live entertainment lounge, hotel, and event centre. The property is slated to open in early 2023.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Rush Street Gaming and for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” stated Greg Carlin, CEO of Rush Street Gaming.
“We’re excited to expand our Rivers Casino brand family and help launch the state’s casino industry right here in the City of Portsmouth.”
Rivers Casino Portsmouth will bring 1,300 new permanent and 1,400 construction jobs to the area, in addition to generating an estimated $16.3m in annual tax revenue for the city.
“Rivers Casino’s proven model of elevated gaming experiences and thoughtful community integration will create a strong and sustainable economic engine for Portsmouth,” said Roy Corby, general manager of Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place at the construction site, saw Carlin and Roy joined by Senator L Louise Lucas; Delegate Barry Knight; Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover; and Robert Moore, Portsmouth economic development.
“This is truly an exciting time for the citizens of Portsmouth — particularly as it relates to job growth and the overall economic vitality of our great city,” added Glover.
“We are pleased to also create new business opportunities and introduce an entirely new industry to Portsmouth. We remain confident that this project will enhance the vibrancy of our community.”
The decision to permit casino gaming was made after gaining the approval of voters in a series of November 2020 referendums, with the nod also given in Norfolk, Bristol and Danville. Operating partners on those developments are the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Hard Rock International and Caesars Entertainment, respectively.
Last month, a proposal for a fifth proposed project collapsed after residents in the Virginian capital of Richmond rejected the development of Urban One’s $565m One Casino + Resort.
