Rivers Casino Portsmouth Hit with Hefty Fine for Multiple Violations

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 07/10/2024

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Rivers Casino Portsmouth

It has been reported that the Rivers Casino Portsmouth has been hit with hefty fines due to multiple regulatory violations identified by the Virginia Lottery over the past year. The casino has agreed to pay a total of $545,000 in two separate settlements related to these breaches.

The first settlement was reached in September, resulting in a $40,000 fine. This was followed by a much larger penalty of $505,000 settled in May. Officials said that these fines are a reflection of the Virginia Lottery’s stringent efforts to regulate casino operations across the state and reduce the risk of future issues.

Breakdown of the Fines and Settlements

In the September settlement, the Virginia Lottery and Rivers Casino Portsmouth reviewed alleged breaches of the Casino Gaming Law. These violations included underage individuals on the gaming floor in August. According to reports, this is not the first time the casino has faced such an offense, as it previously faced a $275,000 fine for a similar violation the previous year.

The May settlement outlined more serious issues. Again, underage individuals were found on the gaming floor, along with voluntarily excluded persons in December and January. Also, the settlement highlighted problems in accounting and surveillance controls noted in July and February, as well as lapses in revenue reporting and table game operations between September and January.

Although the settlements do not formally confirm the merit of the violations, they were agreed upon to avoid a formal hearing process. According to state law, the fines, totaling $545,000, will be directed to the commonwealth’s general fund.

Violations Highlight Challenges and Issues for Industry

Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened its doors in January 2023 as the region’s first and permanent casino, spanning 250,000 square feet on Victory Boulevard near Tidewater Community College. The facility boasts nearly 1,500 slot machines, 24 poker tables, various restaurants, and other amenities. It has become a popular entertainment venue for many locals as well as visitors to the area.

Officials said that despite its promising start, these recent violations have highlighted the challenges and responsibilities of maintaining regulatory compliance in the gaming industry. This is an issue that affects all gambling states, with regulators across the board becoming more stringent when it comes to compliance from operators and casinos.

The casino will now have to ensure that all measures are in place to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future. Implementing plans and revised procedures will be a vital part of building trust and maintaining a positive relationship with regulatory authorities, according to officials.

Roy Corby, General Manager of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, acknowledged the severity of the matters, stating,

We take these matters very seriously and respect the decision of the Virginia Lottery. We have reviewed and revised procedures to help prevent recurrence.

The hefty fines imposed on Rivers Casino Portsmouth reflect the serious nature of the regulatory violations. Officials said that while these penalties can be a huge financial burden for operators, they also present an opportunity for casinos to reassess and strengthen their compliance efforts.