Rivers Casino Portsmouth is fulfilling its commitment to enhance the local economy, generating over $40 million in tax revenues for the city, awarding contracts to local enterprises, and ranking among Portsmouth’s significant employers since its inauguration in January 2023.
This gaming establishment, managed by Chicago’s Rush Street Gaming, continues to draw local investments, with the most recent addition being a residential complex with nearly 400 units proposed for a 30.5-acre wooded site at 109 Missy Elliott Avenue, situated just north of Rivers Casino Portsmouth across Interstate 264.
The concept for the 394-unit project received unanimous approval from the Portsmouth City Council, voting 7-0. Planning documents reveal plans for 124 two-bedroom condominiums, 126 townhouses, and 144 multifamily housing units. Prices for these homes are projected to range from the lower $200,000s to the $300,000s.
Residential Expansion
The real estate market around Rivers Casino Portsmouth is witnessing a positive outlook among developers.
The recently approved residential development follows a prior plan for a 300-unit project located at Elliott Avenue and Missy Elliott Avenue, which the Portsmouth City Council approved in January. This nearby development, directly east across Missy Elliott Avenue from the casino’s parking area, will feature 140 townhouses and 160 multifamily units.
In conjunction with these residential developments, Rivers Casino is also constructing a $65 million, 106-room hotel featuring 32 luxurious suites. Named The Landing, this hotel is set to open next year, ahead of Boyd Gaming’s anticipated $750 million casino resort and hotel in nearby Norfolk.
During a topping-off event in May, city officials, including Portsmouth’s director of economic development, Brian Donahue, emphasized that the Rivers hotel symbolizes Portsmouth’s resurgence as a sought-after destination and an ideal location to reside.
“It’s been decades since we’ve seen the construction of an eight-story building, but I assure you that many more will follow,” Donahue remarked during the event.
Portsmouth officials reported that in 2025, the city experienced $333 million in local investments, the establishment of 302 new businesses, and the initiation of construction for over 1,600 housing units.
Casino Success
Rush Street Gaming invested $340 million to establish this casino, which currently has 1,416 slot machines, 90 live dealer table games, and a BetRivers Sportsbook. The venue also boasts The Event Center, an 11,000-square-foot multipurpose facility, five full-service restaurants, a quick-service eatery, and a Starbucks.
Gross gaming revenue (GGR) at Rivers Casino Portsmouth has shown consistent annual growth. In its opening year, Rivers reported a GGR of $250 million. The casino’s win increased to $309 million in 2024 and rose again to $316.3 million the following year.
From January to June 2026, Rivers Casino Portsmouth reported a GGR of $161.3 million, positioning the venue on track for another year of revenue growth.