In the southern American state of Virginia and casino operator Rush Street Gaming has announced the commencement of building work for its coming Rivers Casino Portsmouth development.

The Chicago-headquartered firm used an official Tuesday press release to declare that the $300 million facility is now scheduled to open on a 57-acre parcel of land located about three miles southwest of downtown Portsmouth in ‘early 2023’ complete with a large casino, a four-star hotel and a 3,000-seat live entertainments lounge. The company stated that the 400,000 sq ft project will also feature a BetRivers-branded retail sportsbook as well as a selection of top-end restaurants and serve as its seventh gambling-friendly venue alongside compatriot enterprises in the states of Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania.

Bountiful benefits:

Greg Carlin serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Rush Street Gaming and he told those attending a special Tuesday ground-breaking ceremony that the finished Rivers Casino Portsmouth endeavor will likely create approximately 1,300 full-time jobs and generate an estimated $16.3 million in new annual tax revenues for the city of Portsmouth. The boss moreover pronounced that his company regularly chalks up over $1 billion in yearly gaming revenues while staff at its casinos consistently bestow its establishments with ‘best place to work’ or ‘top workplace’ accolades.

Read a statement from Carlin…

“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 Virginia’s casino industry right here in the city of Portsmouth.”

Referendum ratification:

Voters in the city of Portsmouth gave Rush Street Gaming permission to begin work on its envisioned Rivers Casino Portsmouth project in November of 2020 by passing an associated local ballot initiative via a two-thirds margin. This endorsement, which was echoed by similar casino approvals for the Virginia cities of Danville, Bristol and Norfolk, was subsequently followed by the initiation of preparatory work that included the clearing of vegetation from the derelict plot alongside levelling and soil testing schemes.

Important assurance:

For his part and the mayor for Portsmouth, Shannon Glover, told those attending the ground-breaking ceremony that Rush Street Gaming has committed to maintaining its record of utilizing local minority, female and veteran-owned small businesses in constructing and running its coming Rivers Casino Portsmouth enterprise. As such and the 56-year-old furthermore noted that SB Ballard Construction Company from nearby Virginia Beach is to partner with Yates Construction to build the casino resort in partnership with engineering consultant Kimley-Horn, architect Klai Juba Wald and interior designs firm Jeffrey Beers International.

A statement from Shannon read…

“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. 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.”