Evolution Gaming Pledges 1,200 Live Dealer Studio Jobs in Portsmouth if iGaming Bill Passes

But Portsmouth mayor says he was 'blindsided' by the news and opposes the potential impact on casino revenue.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As Virginia considers legalizing and regulating internet gaming, Portsmouth is concerned about the potential impact on revenue from its new Rivers Casino. However, state Sen. Mamie Locke says Evolution Gaming has pledged to create around 1,200 jobs in a live dealer studio in Portsmouth if the iGaming bill passes. Portsmouth's mayor says he was unaware of this pledge and opposes the expansion of iGaming, citing potential revenue losses and negative social impacts.

Why it matters

Portsmouth has received around $50 million in tax revenue from the new Rivers Casino since it opened in 2023, which the city has used for schools and other priorities. The mayor is worried that iGaming could cut into this revenue and hurt the local economy. However, the state sees iGaming as a way to generate significant new tax revenue for education.

The details

Sen. Locke's bill to regulate iGaming in Virginia includes a requirement that live dealer studios be based in the state. Evolution Gaming has pledged to create around 1,200 jobs in a live dealer studio in Portsmouth if the bill passes. But Portsmouth's mayor says he was 'blindsided' by this news and is unaware of any commitments or negotiations with Evolution Gaming. The mayor opposes iGaming due to potential revenue losses and negative social impacts, especially on young Black Americans.

  • Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened in January 2023.
  • Sen. Locke's iGaming bill is currently being considered by the Virginia legislature.

The players

Mamie Locke

A Democratic state senator from Hampton who is sponsoring a bill to regulate internet gaming in Virginia.

Shannon Glover

The mayor of Portsmouth, who opposes attempts to regulate internet gaming due to potential casino revenue loss and negative social impacts.

Evolution Gaming

A company that operates live dealer studios and has pledged to create around 1,200 jobs in a live dealer studio in Portsmouth if Virginia's iGaming bill passes.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

The new casino in Portsmouth that has generated around $50 million in tax revenue for the city since opening in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Evolution Gaming has pledged to create approximately 1,200 good-paying live dealer studio jobs in Portsmouth to support legal iGaming operations in the commonwealth.”

— Mamie Locke, State Senator (The Virginian-Pilot)

“Why would we want to bring a competing interest to Portsmouth? Why are others negotiating or getting pledges without local leaders' involvement?”

— Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth (The Virginian-Pilot)

What’s next

The Virginia legislature is currently considering Sen. Locke's iGaming bill, which includes a requirement for live dealer studios to be based in the state. If the bill passes, Evolution Gaming's pledge to create 1,200 jobs in a Portsmouth studio would move forward.

The takeaway

This story highlights the tension between Portsmouth's desire to protect its new casino revenue and the state's interest in legalizing and regulating iGaming to generate additional tax revenue for education. The potential for a large number of new jobs in Portsmouth is an incentive, but the mayor remains opposed due to concerns about the impact on the local economy and community.