Rivers Casino Portsmouth Closed
Why Did Rivers Casino Portsmouth Close?
Rivers Casino Portsmouth closed on January 20, 2020, after a nearly two-year battle with the state of West Virginia. The casino had been struggling financially for years, and the state’s decision to allow sports betting at other casinos in the state was the final blow.
The Casino’s Financial Struggles
Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened in 2010, and it quickly became one of the most popular casinos in the state. However, the casino began to struggle financially in 2016, as competition from other casinos in the region increased. The casino also lost a significant amount of revenue when the state of West Virginia legalized sports betting in 2018.
The State’s Decision to Allow Sports Betting
In 2018, the state of West Virginia legalized sports betting, and it quickly became one of the most popular forms of gambling in the state. Rivers Casino Portsmouth did not have a sportsbook, and this put it at a significant disadvantage compared to other casinos in the state.
The Casino’s Closure
On January 20, 2020, Rivers Casino Portsmouth closed its doors for good. The casino’s closure had a significant impact on the local economy, as it employed over 1,000 people.
What Happened to the Casino’s Employees?
When Rivers Casino Portsmouth closed, it laid off over 1,000 employees. The vast majority of these employees were able to find new jobs, but some were forced to leave the area to find work.
What Happened to the Casino’s Property?
The property that was home to Rivers Casino Portsmouth is now owned by the West Virginia Lottery Commission. The commission is currently considering its options for the property, and it is possible that a new casino could be built on the site.
The Impact of the Casino’s Closure
The closure of Rivers Casino Portsmouth had a significant impact on the local economy. The casino was a major employer in the area, and its closure resulted in the loss of over 1,000 jobs. The casino also generated significant tax revenue for the state, and its closure resulted in a loss of revenue for the state government.
The closure of Rivers Casino Portsmouth is a reminder of the challenges that casinos face in today’s competitive gaming environment. In order to survive, casinos need to be able to offer a variety of gaming options, and they need to be able to compete with other casinos in the region.
Thank you for your visit!
