Rivers Casino Portsmouth thrives—but will a hotel ever arrive?
Rivers Casino Portsmouth has brought fresh energy to the Hampton Roads area since its launch in early 2023. The venue has drawn more visitors, boosted local funds, and sparked hopes of further development. Yet questions remain about whether a long-awaited hotel will ever be built.
The casino opened in January 2023 as part of a $300 million project. Its operator, Rush Street Gaming, has no immediate plans to add a hotel—despite an agreement tying construction to revenue targets. So far, the casino has generated $250 million in gaming revenue for 2023 and $310 million in 2024.
Portsmouth currently has fewer than 500 hotel rooms, leaving visitors—especially gamblers from nearby southeastern states—with limited lodging options. The city has already benefited from the casino’s presence, receiving around $35 million in local tax revenue.
Meanwhile, Boyd Gaming is building a rival $750 million casino resort in Norfolk, set to open in late 2027. This new competition could shape future decisions about a hotel at Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The casino’s success has revitalised Portsmouth, but a hotel remains uncertain. If revenue conditions are met, Rush Street Gaming may still move forward with construction. Until then, the city’s limited lodging options could affect how visitors experience the area.
