Rivers Casino Portsmouth

Company Overview

Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a wholly-owned entity of Rush Street Gaming, LLC, a privately held company founded by Neil Bluhm and Greg Carlin. The Portsmouth property represents Rush Street's largest single investment in Virginia and its first casino in the Mid-Atlantic South. The development followed a 2020 city referendum and a development agreement with the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, which included a commitment to solicit minority-owned business participation for at least 5% of equity.

Physical Layout and Gaming

The casino's physical footprint spans 150,000 square feet of gaming space, offering more than 1,400 slot machines, 57 table games, and a 22-table poker room. BetRivers Sportsbook, operated by Rush Street's interactive division, provides in-person sports wagering. The casino floor includes video poker and electronic table games alongside live blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat.

Dining and Entertainment

Dining options include Admiral's Steak & Seafood (an OpenTable Diners' Choice winner), Crossings Café, Slice Pizzeria, Burgers & Brews, and the Lobby Bar. The Event Center is a 30,000-square-foot concert and entertainment venue hosting national touring acts and comedy shows. The property also includes conference and banquet space.

Expansion Plans

In 2025, Rush Street announced The Landing Hotel Portsmouth, an eight-story, 106-room upscale hotel designed by KOO Architecture & Interiors. The hotel will include a lobby bar, two executive board rooms, and a covered corridor connecting to the casino. Groundbreaking was planned for summer 2025, with an expected opening in early 2027. The hotel is part of a $65 million expansion.

Workforce and Community Impact

The casino created approximately 1,300 permanent jobs, and the workforce is union-eligible. In its first year (2023–2024), the casino reported over 3.5 million customer visits. Rivers Casino Portsmouth has been recognized as a "Top Workplace" by its team members. The casino generated over $42 million in state and local taxes in its first year, serving as a key economic driver for Portsmouth.

Leadership

Tim Drehkoff serves as Chief Executive Officer of both Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rush Street Gaming. Antonio Perez Jr. was appointed General Manager in late 2025, overseeing all casino operations. Jennifer Davena was promoted to Assistant General Manager in November 2025, having previously served as Vice President of Gaming and Interim GM. Corporate oversight is provided by Rush Street Gaming's headquarters in Chicago.