- Rivers Casino in Portsmouth held two soft openings for charity last Thursday and Saturday.
- The casino’s grand opening is set for Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
- Rivers Casino Portsmouth will feature 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games, a poker room with 24 tables, and a BetRivers Sportsbook.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth held a pair of soft openings ahead of its grand launch on January 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
Last Thursday night, the casino held a test opening for charity that was attended by over a hundred guests. Two days later, the casino held a second soft opening, and just like the first one, all of the casino earnings – except from the retail sportsbook, went to charity.
Today was the first day of what’s expected to be a long history of sports waging here at Rivers Casino Portsmouth.https://t.co/iSqXifq4z3
— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) January 21, 2023
Political leaders were on hand during the two soft openings. In fact, among the first personalities to place a sports wager were House Minority Leader Don Scott, Portsmouth City Mayor Shannon Glover, and Senator Louise Lucas. Lucas was one of the longtime advocates for Virginia’s first casino and was happy to see the casino finally come to fruition.
Per the Portsmouth-born Lucas:
“These people have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into Portsmouth, Virginia. They have made a bet on Portsmouth, and we are going to win that bet.”
Safety is a Major Priority
When guests entered the casino, they were met with metal detectors and other security measures. According to casino officials, the safety of guests is a major priority at Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The officials added that casino players who win big will also be escorted by security officers to their vehicles when they leave the casino premises.
Roy Corby, the casino’s General Manager, said that the casino uses a state-of-the-art surveillance system. They also have security patrols throughout the casino’s parking lot plus over 1,000 surveillance cameras.
Corby also added that the City of Portsmouth also asked them to put some security cameras on top of the casino building for them to monitor. Those particular cameras give city authorities a great view of what’s going on down Victory Boulevard and Missy Elliott Boulevard.
The Sound Bar
Near the casino entrance and just past security is The Sound Bar which can accommodate up to 120 guests and which will offer live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It has a rounded bar with 88 seats and table seating near the stage. Guests who want a drink can also grab one at the BetRivers Sportsbook.
The casino also includes several food and drink options. Also after passing security at the entrance, guests can find the Mian Asian Cuisine and Slice Pizzeria. Outside the casino floor, meaning they can be accessed by patrons below 21 years of age are Crossings Cafe and Admirals Steak and Seafood.
Crossings will feature breakfast and evening meals and can accommodate 120 people while Admirals has 250-person seating, including two private rooms. The property also has a 25,000-square-foot event center which can be utilized as a convention or conference space.
Plenty of Gambling
Of course, there will be plenty of gambling inside Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The property’s main floor boasts 1,448 slot machines, and 57 table games including blackjack, craps, and roulette. Towards the back side of the property is a high-stake gambling area.
The casino also has a poker room with 24 tables as well as an area where players can cash their winnings. The poker room is apart from the main casino floor. Corby added that the Poker Room has its own cage so players don’t have to go out to the casino floor to check out and host a podium to check in.
Then there is the retail sportsbook which features a 750-foot TV monitor that is capable of showing 30 games simultaneously. According to Corby, the bar at the sportsbook will be the busiest one on the property. Overlooking the sportsbook is a Top Swing Golf Suite, which has three bays that can accommodate eight people each.
City Has More Cards Up its Sleeve
The $430 million casino is expected to bring in $16.3 million in tax revenue during its first four years of existence. According to Mayor Glover, 45% of the area’s land is owned by the city. Because of that, the city doesn’t get tax any tax revenue from that lot, so having the casino will be a huge boost.
The new dollars coming from the new casino will go to uses critically important to the city such as education, police and fire, and infrastructure. With plans to add a hotel and develop the area surrounding the casino, Mayor Glover says the city has more cards up its sleeve.
“Yard House, the restaurant in Virginia Beach, will have a restaurant in the casino to be opened in September. This casino is going to bring new visitors to the city of Portsmouth. They’re going to see a new Portsmouth and see that we’re heading in a bold, new direction.”
-Mayor Shannon Glover
For now, however, the gaming revenue taxes from the casino will have to do.
