Hampton Roads Community News
Portsmouth Moves Forward With Casino Plans
PORTSMOUTH
The City of Portsmouth is moving forward with plans to develop its Rivers Casino Portsmouth that voters approved in the November election. Grand opening will occur approximately two years from the start of construction.
The Miles Agency, a Virginia Beach-based minority and woman-owned marketing and public relations firm, will lead the public relations and community engagement throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia for Rush Street Gaming, Portsmouth’s developer and preferred gaming operator.
The Miles Agency, founded in 1989 by Delceno Miles, has 30-plus years of servicing a diverse roster of public and private clients-among them the United States Navy, City of Portsmouth, Hampton Roads Transit, Coca-Cola, Pizza Hut, Virginia Power, Hampton University and more.
“Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a welcome addition to our region and to our client roster,” said Delceno Miles, president and CEO of The Miles Agency. “Our team appreciates and values Rush Street’s community-minded approach. The positive impact of this project will be
transformative for the region, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”
Jacob Oberman, senior vice president of development for Rush Street Gaming, said, ”We’re grateful to Portsmouth voters for approving our casino plans last November. Collaboration with our host community is a hallmark of Rush Street’s development philosophy. The Miles Agency shares our commitment to proactive, transparent communications to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.”
Rivers Casino Portsmouth, a $300 million local investment, will anchor the all-new Entertainment District planned for Victory Boulevard.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth will bring 1,300 permanent jobs and 1,400 temporary construction jobs to Hampton Roads-with a Portsmouth First commitment to hiring and contracting, along with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the project. The property
is projected to generate more than $16 million in new annual tax revenues for Portsmouth.
The new Rivers Casino includes plans for a hotel, indoor and outdoor concert venues, conference space, multiple restaurants and more.
Rivers Casino’s gaming floor will feature a wide variety of slots, table games, a poker room and a state-of-the-art BetRivers Sportsbook.
Rush Street Gaming is currently pursuing a casino operator’s license from the Virginia Lottery Board and expects to break ground upon approval from the Virginia Lottery Board.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth is also pursuing an online sports betting license from the Virginia Lottery Board.
Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates have developed
and operate successful casinos in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Des Plaines, IL (Chicago area) and Schenectady, NY. 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.
