Virginia Casino Opening Postponed

Officials at the new $340 million Rivers Casino Portsmouth (l.) in Virginia moved the opening of the venue from January 15 to January 23 to have extra time to complete gaming equipment testing.

Virginia Casino Opening Postponed

The opening of Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Virginia has been moved from Sunday, January 15 to Monday, January 23.

Casino officials said the date was changed to allow extra time to test and certify new gaming equipment. Guests have received revised invitations for the grand opening ceremony.

The $340 million facility will offer a gaming floor with 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games and 24 poker tables. Ten new restaurants and bars include the upscale Admiral’s Steak and Seafood, casual dining at Crossings Café, Asian cuisine at Mian, plus Slice Pizzeria, Starbucks and more. The venue will create 1,300 jobs.

Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover said the casino is expected to generate $16 million in tax revenue. He told local outlet WAVY, “That will come back to the city of Portsmouth. It’s going to draw people to Portsmouth. It also means that when people come to Portsmouth, they’re gonna spend dollars.”