Teamsters Local 822, a union representing over 3,000 employees across the Tidewater region in Virginia, has helped employees at Rivers Casino Portsmouth secure guaranteed raises, health care coverage and additional paid time off as part of a new collective bargaining agreement.
The new agreement also represents the first time ever casino workers in Virginia have obtained a labor agreement with their respective operator.
"This is history in the making," Teamsters Local 822 President James Wright said.
"For the first time, Virginia gaming workers have a legally binding union contract that delivers guaranteed raises, strong benefits and just cause protections. This agreement proves that when workers stand together, they can transform their industry."
Rivers Casino Portsmouth workers voted by a 95% margin to ratify the previously formed collective bargaining agreement, which also includes protections from at-will employment and raises of 15.95% throughout the contract's lifespan.
"This contract means stability for me and my family. I know my job is protected, my health care is covered and my wages and tips together give me the security to plan for the future," Rivers Casino Portsmouth Slot Attendant and Local 822 member Natasha O'Guinn said.
"We finally have a voice and a fair contract that respects what we do every day."
The Virginia Lottery reported the state's casino gaming revenue throughout September 2025 on October 15, as the three casinos which report to the regulator managed to generate nearly $73.1m for an increase of 29.2%.
While Rivers Casino Portsmouth witnessed the smallest increase of the three properties year-over-year, it still reported $24.3m of revenue for the period and grew 0.3%.
Following a proposal from Attorney General Rob Bonta which would "effectively ban blackjack-style games and severely limit player-dealer games in California cardrooms," hundreds of game room employees and union members protested outside of his office on October 20
