Virginia Lottery approves operator's license for Rivers Casino Portsmouth

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Rivers Portsmouth Gaming, LLC, d/b/a Rivers Casino Portsmouth became the second approved casino facility operator in Virginia. The Virginia Lottery Board approved its application for licensure by a 7-0 vote.

This comes after a comprehensive review of application materials submitted by Rivers Portsmouth Gaming, LLC d/b/a Rivers Casino Portsmouth and an extensive background investigation by the Virginia Lottery. Under legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2020, the Virginia Lottery licenses and regulates casinos and sports betting in the Commonwealth.

“The gaming landscape in Virginia continues to evolve and the Lottery Board is committed to ensuring that casinos in the Commonwealth are operated responsibly, fairly and with the utmost integrity,” said Board Chairman Ferhan Hamid. “While not all Virginians will choose to visit these facilities, all of our citizens need to be confident that they are regulated with the very highest standards.”

As the second facility operator in Virginia, Rivers Casino Portsmouth will join Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, which received its license approval in April 2022 and subsequently opened the doors of its temporary facility to the public in July 2022. The Lottery continues to review application materials for two more proposed casinos in Danville and Norfolk. All four were approved by voters in local referenda in November 2020.

“The Lottery’s Gaming Compliance Department and legal counsel assisted in today’s decision by conducting investigations and background checks on the applicants,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kelly T. Gee. “The Lottery works with all casino applicants, their vendors and employees to make sure all aspects of the operation are in strict compliance with Virginia law.”