The online gambling operator Rush Street Interactive has announced it will launch its BetRivers brand in Virginia later this week.
Online gambling operator Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has announced plans to launch its BetRivers brand in the state of Virginia tomorrow (28 January) which will make it the latest operator to go live in the state.
This comes after the state launched its sports betting market last week with the launch of FanDuel’s sports betting product.
Rush Street launch in Virginia
RSI’s BetRivers brand will launch in the state through a partnership with Rush Street Gaming’s Rivers Casino Portsmouth, a land-based casino which has yet to be built. Construction on the venue is set to begin later this year and is expected to open in 2023.
Under the agreement, RSI will be permitted to offer its sports betting product in the state for 20 years. Rivers Casino will also be the first land-based casino in Virginia to launch with an online sports betting partner.
RSI president Richard Schwartz said: “We’re pleased to add Virginia to the growing list of states RSI and BetRivers.com call home as we continue to expand across the country and bring our exciting and trusted online sports betting product to new customers who appreciate an operator like us who focuses on earning and retaining player trust.
“Together with Rivers Casino, we look forward to offering Virginians safe, convenient and enjoyable online sports betting for years to come from a local brand they can trust.”
The fourth operator cleared for launch
Rush Street has now become the fourth operator to be cleared for launch in the state of Virginia.
Last week, FanDuel launched its sports betting product in Virginia on 21 January making it the first operator to launch in the state.
On Sunday, according to the Virginia Lottery’s website, DraftKings and BetMGM received approval to launch their sportsbook products in the state.
DraftKings launched its app on Sunday afternoon ahead of the start of the NFL’s conference championship games. BetMGM, however, has yet to reveal its plans to launch in the state.
Sports betting in Virginia
The state of Virginia legalised sports betting in April 2020 after the state legislature passed a sports betting bill that would allow sportsbook apps to launch by the end of 2020.
Under the legislation, the state will permit the launch of at least four sportsbook apps but no more than a dozen. As the bill also legalised five new casino locations, those casinos may take up to five of the 12 sports betting licences.
The law also allows for sports betting to take place at a major-league stadium that has yet to be built in the state.
