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Casino Launches in Portsmouth, Virginia

January 19, 2023
Exterior Rendering of Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Virginia’s First Casino

History:

Rivers Casino Portsmouth Rivers Casino Portsmouth is the first permanent casino in the state of Virginia and is proud to call Portsmouth home. It began with a referendum back in 2020 where 67% of the Portsmouth voters voted in favor of bringing gaming to our city. Since that time, Rivers Casino Portsmouth made plans for a $340 million casino resort, to be built on 57 acres just off I-264 and Victory Blvd (located three miles from Historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth). The casino’s vision boasts a 400,000 sq-ft dream resort for travelers and locals alike. It features five restaurants; a 3,000-seat, 25,000 sq-ft event center; retail stores; 3,000 parking spaces (open and garaged); and a state-of the-art security systems- with its very own police sub-station.  Future plans call for a movie theater and a 4-star hotel on the property.

Grand Opening:

The grand opening of the new Rivers Casino Portsmouth was at 10 a.m. Monday, January 23. Dignataires from Rush Street Gaming and the City of Portsmouth were on hand to cut the ribbon and open the doors allowing guests to enjoy slot machines, table games, restaurants, and a 25,000-square-foot event center.  The casino features 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games, a 24-table poker room, a sports betting lounge, and seven bars, cafes, and restaurants.  The Virginia Lottery Board granted an operator’s license to the Rivers Casino in Portsmouth after a unanimous vote in November 2022, and State officials have been onsite to certify the arrival and installation of the gaming equipment. There have been nearly 1,300 employees hired and trained by the casino for the big opening day.

Features:

Below, you will find more information on its facility and what is available at the Rivers Casino Portsmouth.

  • Gaming and entertainment complex – 400,000 sq-ft
  • Slot machines, table games, poker, sportsbook and high-limit gaming areas.
  • Event venue with 3,000 seats
  • Restaurants and dining venues – 7
  • Parking garage with 3,000+ spaces.

 

Gaming

Poker chips on a gaming table at rivers casino Portsmouth, VirginiaTake your pick from Virginia’s best selection of table games. Play your cards right with games like Blackjack, Three-Card Poker, Baccarat, and more! Get on a roll with Roulette and Craps, or step up the excitement with side bets and progressive jackpots. Whether you’re an old hand or a newcomer to gaming, Rivers Casino Portsmouth makes every game great.

  • SLOTS- Rack up the jackpots with hundreds of today’s hottest slot games, with denominations ranging from penny slots to High Limits with over 1400 unique slot machines.
  • POKER ROOM- Grab a seat and enjoy complimentary drinks and nonstop action at Portsmouth’s #1 poker destination with 24 tables!
  • BETRIVERS SPORTSBOOK– Go all in on game day and bet on your favorite teams, watch the action live and cheer your heart out with your fellow fans.
  • TABLE GAMES- Play your hand with 57 stylish table games:
  1. BACCARAT- The object is to get a point count closest to 9 on whichever of two possible hands the player wages.
  2. BLACKJACK- Blackjack is the most popular game in the casino.
  3. CRAPS- Play the ultimate casino game at Rivers Casino Portsmouth!
  4. 4-CARD FEVER- Play 4-Card Fever at Rivers Casino Portsmouth!
  5. ROULETTE- Play this casino classic at Rivers Casino Portsmouth!
  6. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM POCKET ACES EDITION- LEARN MORE
  7. FREE BONUS BLACKJACK- Free Bonus Blackjack is a variant of Blackjack.
  8. 3-CARD POKER- 3 Card Poker is fun, fast paced and easy to learn.
  9. TOP FLUSH

 

Entertainment

Concert with fans cheering at the Event Center at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, VAGrab a drink and get ready for a night of fun and laughs with the best local bands, hilarious live comedy acts, or catch unforgettable performances by legendary entertainers. The Event Center will be packed with headliners and hitmakers, where you can be sure to have an amazing time!

THE SOUND BAR– Drop in, enjoy a few drinks with your friends and get down to the best local bands in Virginia every week.

TopGolf Swing Suite – Experience socializing as a sport and enjoy incredible games, delicious food, creative drinks and lively music with your friends.

 

EVENT SPACES AND VENUES

Banquet hall with tables and a dance floor at Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, VirginiaRivers Casino Portsmouth offers a 20,000+ square-foot flexible event space and has everything you need to make your event a hit. Whether you are planning a formal gala, wedding, annual fundraiser, awards banquet, conference, concert, or executive retreat, there is a variety of entertainment options, state of the art AV, exquisite cuisine, and personalized signature hospitality will provide your guests a memorable experience. Their space is customizable to accommodate and cater any size, with options for groups from 40 to 1,000.. So, plan your next event at Rivers Casino Portsmouth-the place to host!

BALLROOM– This beautifully ballroom with natural lighting will accommodate a wide variety of events: 1,000 guests for a reception; 900 guests with theater-style seating; 800 guests for a seated dinner; 700 guests with a two-sided buffet; 600 guests with a (30’x30′ dance floor) and a two-sided buffet; 500 guests with a buffet, action stations, dance floor and auction item/table area; 65 (8’x10′) exhibit booths trade show setup; or 400 participants in a classroom style seating.

MEETING ROOMS– Meeting rooms accommodate up to: 90 people classroom style; 40 people U shape; 50 people hollow square; Welcoming and bright pre-function area accommodates up to 500 in a reception cabaret setting.

Dining

On opening day, there will be seven food and drink quick-service venues ready to serve you; from casual American eats to gourmet cuisine and international favorites, there’s something to satisfy everyone.

CROSSINGS CAFÉ
With its beautiful woodwork, nautical décor and neat brickwork, Crossings Café is a tasteful celebration of Portsmouth’s history. Located just off the entrance to the casino, the restaurant serves up casual American classics 24 hours a day. Drop in any time to enjoy breakfast favorites, sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups and more.

MIAN
Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine in each dish at Mian. Their food is made to order with only the freshest ingredients, including rich broths, crisp vegetables, fresh seafood, and succulent chicken and beef. Enjoy favorites from all across Asia, from ramen to fried egg rolls, roasted duck to General Tso’s chicken and more.

SLICE PIZZERIA
Slice Pizzeria is proudly serving up one of the best pizzas in Portsmouth. Enjoy delicious pizza by the slice or as a whole pie, fired to perfection inside a real brick oven and loaded down with all your favorite toppings!

ADMIRAL’S STEAK & SEAFOOD
Admiral’s Steak & Seafood earns high ranks for fine dining in Portsmouth and throughout Hampton Roads. From the moment you step inside, you’re ushered into a world of exquisite taste and service. Sip on a glass of wine or enjoy your favorite craft cocktail while taking in the atmosphere of their dining room or on their elegant patio.

BetRivers Sportsbook – has traditional bar food and beer

TopGolf Swing Suite – has bar drinks

STARBUCKS® COFFEE- freshly brewed coffee and hot teas, blended beverages, pastries, sandwiches and more

Lodging:

While the Rivers Casino Portsmouth hotel is still under construction, there are a few other great places to stay while traveling to Portsmouth. Below are two of the tourist top picks within just 3-miles of the Rivers Casino and just a few blocks from some of the best restaurants in southeastern Virginia.

Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel:
For beautiful waterfront vistas, the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center is a must. Enjoy views of the working harbor, a variety of passing ships, the downtown Norfolk skyline, and the active local shipyards. This full-service luxury hotel has Stunning views from the windows and patios of their 244 rooms and 5 lavish suites. If you Book Today, you can enjoy 15% off with the Stay and Play rate!

Quality Inn & Suites Olde Towne:
A small hotel with a big heart and great customer service. Traveling on a budget? The Quality Inn and Suites Olde Towne is only a few blocks from the water, the Olde Towne Historic District. and the High Street Business Corridor. This limited-service property has a swimming pool, fitness area and includes complimentary breakfast with every stay.

Private Lodging Options:
Looking to stay an evening in some of the coziest, off the beaten path homes? Maybe in something historic? Then check out these other private lodging options to find the quaint spot you’ve been looking for.

Future:

Rendering of the Rivers Casino Portsmouth VirginiaAs construction continues on the hotel and additional projects, they will announce those openings at a later date. However, in the meantime, here are a few things proposed to look forward to in the near future.

  • 4-star hotel (15-20 story)
  • Movie theater
  • Retail outlets
  • 3 more restaurants
  • Additional Parking
  • Bowling Alley

 

 

 

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