Posted on: March 16, 2023, 11:25h.
Final up to date on: March 16, 2023, 12:37h.
Rivers On line casino Portsmouth reported gross gaming income (GGR) of greater than $24.6 million in its first full month in operation.
The Hampton Roads on line casino, the primary everlasting on line casino property to open in Virginia, was constructed for $340 million. The venue is owned and operated by Chicago-based Rush Avenue Gaming. The corporate moreover has Rivers-branded casinos in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York.
Rush’s Virginia on line casino is off to a stunning begin. The Virginia Lottery — which regulates industrial on line casino playing within the commonwealth — reported Wednesday that Rivers Portsmouth gained $17.1 million on its slots and $7.5 million on its tables. That made for a mixed February GGR haul of roughly $24.6 million.
Rivers’ February gaming tax accountability totaled greater than $4.4 million, with Portsmouth’s allocation being about $1.5 million.
Rivers Portsmouth has 1,420 slot machines and 81 desk video games. The on line casino’s $24.6 million in February GGR doesn’t embrace income from its BetRivers Sportsbook. These numbers shall be launched later by the Virginia Lottery.
Expectations Exceeded Early
Rivers On line casino Portsmouth was the second authorized on line casino to open in Virginia. It arrived after Exhausting Rock Bristol opened its short-term gaming area inside the previous Bristol Mall final July. Exhausting Rock has begun development on its everlasting $400 million resort that’s anticipated to open someday in the summertime of 2024.
Exhausting Rock Bristol’s short-term on line casino, which incorporates 890 slot machines and 23 tables, reported a February GGR of about $11.2 million.
Earlier than its opening, Rivers Portsmouth forecasted that it will profit the Portsmouth native authorities with about $16 million yearly in new tax cash. That estimate involves about $1.3 million a month, that means Rivers topped its premarket forecast in its first full month in operation.
We’re grateful to our crew members, visitors, and the group for his or her continued help,” Rivers On line casino Portsmouth Normal Supervisor Roy Corby instructed The Virginian-Pilot.
However with the thrill of the on line casino opening over and issues remaining in regards to the property’s permittance of indoor smoking in sure gaming sections, March may very well be a greater indicator of whether or not Rivers will be capable of reside as much as its pre-opening income projections.
Smoking Stays
Virtually instantly after Rivers On line casino Portsmouth opened on January 23, many patrons expressed criticism of the widespread prevalence of cigarette smoke.
Virginia’s Indoor Clear Air Act of 2013 offered exemptions for state-licensed gaming amenities. On the time, Virginia was solely residence to pari-mutuel horse racing and off-track betting amenities.
Listening to the suggestions, Rivers Portsmouth on January 30 introduced that about half of its gaming ground could be reserved for nonsmoking. However regardless of the on line casino’s air filtration system, prospects proceed to precise grievances with the continuing stench of tobacco.
The property has a mean Google score of three.4/5 stars primarily based on greater than 650 opinions. A lot of the low grades cited smoking as the first motive for the poor mark.
“Individuals smoke wherever, no matter posted indicators,” stated Duane Moseley in a overview posted Thursday. “Clear on line casino and loos, however an excessive amount of cigarette smoking!” added Rose Williams.
One other current reviewer, Robert Howard III, stated he loved each the smoking and nonsmoking sections however discovered extra luck within the smoke.
“Gained $35 within the smoking space and misplaced $30 in nonsmoking,” Howard summarized.
