Virginia: Portsmouth hoping Rivers Casino can change city’s landscape socially, economically. But smoking inside is an issue for some

Virginia: Portsmouth hoping Rivers Casino can change city’s landscape socially, economically. But smoking inside is an issue for some

Article brief provided by WAVY-TV
  • Andy Fox, WAVY-TV
January 22, 2023 8:41 PM

Portsmouth is hopeful that the new Rivers Casino can change the city’s social and economic landscape, and while early patrons noted many positives with the facility, others had concerns about parking and the smoking allowed inside.

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Following the Thursday night charity event testing ahead of Monday’s grand opening, Portsmouth Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke had been sent scores of mostly positive messages about the casino.

But one she hadn’t heard had to do with the ability of patrons to smoke inside the casino.

10 on Your Side has received comments and inquiries about people who have been surprised with the smoking that is allowed indoors at the casino.