Rivers Casino Portsmouth breaks ground on Victory Boulevard

PORTSMOUTH, Va.—Dec. 7, 2021—Rivers Casino Portsmouth, developed and operated by Rush Street Gaming, today hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch the construction of the new gaming and entertainment complex planned for Victory Boulevard. This $300 million plus project will feature a casino, BetRivers Sportsbook, premier restaurants, a live entertainment lounge, hotel, and event center. Rivers Casino Portsmouth will open in early 2023.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the construction site — the intersection of Victory Blvd. and Freedom Ave. in Portsmouth — and featured remarks from Senator L. Louise Lucas; Delegate Barry Knight; Mayor Shannon Glover (Portsmouth); Robert D. Moore, Portsmouth Economic Development; Greg Carlin, Co-Founder and CEO, Rush Street Gaming; and Roy Corby, General Manager, Rivers Casino Portsmouth.

“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,” said Mayor Shannon Glover, City of Portsmouth. “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.”

Rivers Casino Portsmouth will be Rush Street Gaming’s seventh ground-up casino development. Currently, the company operates full-service destination casinos in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York. All Rush Street Gaming casinos lead their markets, and each location has been voted a “Top Workplace” by its Team Members.

“Today marks a significant milestone for Rush Street Gaming and for the Commonwealth of Virginia. 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,” said Greg Carlin, CEO, Rush Street Gaming.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth brings 1,300 new permanent jobs and approximately 1,400 construction jobs to the area. The entertainment venue will also generate an estimated $16.3 million in new annual tax revenue for the City of Portsmouth.

“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, Rivers Casino Portsmouth.

Rush Street Gaming has a long and proud record of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all business operations nationwide. Rivers Casino Portsmouth will utilize local minority, women, and veteran-owned small businesses in every phase of its construction and operation.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth has selected an award-winning team with S.B. Ballard Construction Company of Virginia Beach and Yates Construction partnering as the general contractors; Kimley-Horn as the engineering consultants; Klai Juba Wald as the architect of record; Jeffrey Beers International as the primary interior designer; and DMAC Architecture as the interior designer of the venues.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Rush Street Gaming to develop this state-of-the-art entertainment venue in our hometown, and we look forward to working alongside a team of local contractors on this monumental project for the region,” said Justin Ballard, on behalf of S.B. Ballard-Yates.

For additional information and to view the latest renderings, please visit riverscasinoportsmouth.com.

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About Rush Street Gaming: Founded by Neil Bluhm and Greg Carlin, Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates have developed and operate successful casinos in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Des Plaines, IL (Chicago area) and Schenectady, NY. By placing an emphasis on superior design and outstanding customer service, Rush Street Gaming has become one of the leading casino developers in the United States. Existing casinos generate over $1 billion in annual gaming revenues, and all Rush Street Gaming casinos have been voted a “Best Place to Work” or “Top Workplace” by their Team Members.

Media Contacts

Kelli Webb
For Rivers Casino Portsmouth
[email protected]
757.606.0281

Jack Horner
For Rush Street Gaming
[email protected]
412.600.2295