In its first full year of operation, Rivers Casino Portsmouth has generated nearly $250 million in gaming revenue, providing the city of Portsmouth with more than $15 million in tax revenue to beef up its coffers.

The casino opened its doors last January to much fanfare as thousands braved a cold Monday morning echoing chants of “Let us in!” It marked the first casino in Hampton Roads and the commonwealth’s first permanent gambling facility.

Located along Victory Boulevard near the newly named Missy Elliott Boulevard, Portsmouth’s casino project moved quickly after a successful ballot referendum in 2020 in which two-thirds of Portsmouth voters gave it the green light.