PORTSMOUTH, Va. — CORRECTION: Numbers in this story have been updated to correct total tax revenue generated by Rivers Casino Portsmouth and money that went directly to the city.
February was the first full month of Rivers Casino Portsmouth being open to the public, and the final numbers came in from the Virginia Lottery on Wednesday.
The state's first permanent casino facility reports that it earned $24,661,600.84 in adjusted gaming revenue in the month of February.
For perspective, the casino opened its doors to the public on January 23, and then reported that it made over $9 million in gaming revenue during the remainder of that month.
Workers first broke ground to start building the facility in December of 2021.
It's the first of its kind in Virginia, and it is anticipated to bring in over $16 million in revenue for the city of Portsmouth annually. It's also given the local workforce a boost by providing over 1,000 jobs.
For February, Rivers Casino Portsmouth also generated almost $4.5 million in total tax revenue. Nearly $1.5 million of that revenue went directly to the city of Portsmouth.
For customers like Laura Williams, the high dollar amount is no surprise.
“That’s how good they’re doing!" Williams said. “This is my favorite. Of all the casinos in Maryland, Delaware, MGM. Of all the casinos I’ve been to, this is the best.”
Myesha Bellamy said she visits the casino almost daily – not only for the slots and table games but for the live entertainment and restaurants.
“Listening to the bands on the weekends, the live bands, it’s very entertaining," Bellamy said.
She added she believes Rivers Casino Portsmouth will continue to earn a lot of money in the future as the casino potentially expands to add a hotel and other amenities.
“Yeah I think it’s going to be more," Bellamy said. "There’s more to come!”
The other facility in the state, HR Bristol, is considered temporary, but it also brought in a large amount of money for the month.
For the state of Virginia as a whole, both facilities brought in a combined gaming revenue of $38,393,376.61.